A bungling burglar who broke into a car was caught after leaving his mobile phone on the seat - resulting in police labelling him "not the brightest".
Thief Hayden Fenwick Blades stole around £15 from the vehicle during the incident in Murton, County Durham, but forgot to cover his tracks properly.
The 25-year-old's mobile, which had messages from his probation officer trying to get in touch with him was found at the scene by police officers.
He was arrested shortly afterwards.
Blades appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court on April 27, pleading guilty to burglary and theft from a motor vehicle.
The incident took place on April 19.
He previously denied the offences during a police interview.
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The defendant, of Penryn Avenue, Murton, was sentenced to a six months community order in line with drugs rehabilitation order by magistrates.
Seaham Neighbourhood Inspector Jo Eales described Blades as "not the brightest" despite being a "prolific offender".
She said: "Blades is a prolific offender but thankfully not the brightest.
"We would like to thank the community for their continued intelligence and will continue to put him in front of the courts at every opportunity."
It comes after a car owner used their phone tracking app to lead police to a thief who stole their car last year.
The owner was shocked to see his £35,000 Volvo being driven from his driveway after he popped back into his house to get his wallet.
But thanks to the app on his mobile he was able to help police locate the the vehicle within minutes and the "opportunistic thief" was later arrested.
Luke Gee, 33, of Studley Road, Wolverhampton, was sentenced to 12 months jail suspended for 12 months and banned from the roads for three years after admitting burglary, theft and driving while disqualified in September 2021.
The victim was about to get in his car on the morning of June 26 to go out shopping when he realised he had forgotten his wallet, Birmingham Crown Court was told.
He went back into his house but left his car keys in the door.
"He looked out of his hallway window and saw his Volvo being driven off down his driveway," said Richard Davenport, prosecuting.
