A prolific burglar who was caught masquerading as a Just Eat delivery driver has been apprehended by police for stealing parcels from people’s homes in Cardiff. Phillip Thompson, aged 35, used a distinctive orange food delivery bag to conceal stolen items. In a series of thefts, he was observed taking Amazon packages from an apartment block and posing as a decorator to gain access to student flats. Thompson’s criminal activities came to light through facial recognition technology, leading to his arrest in November 2023.
During police interviews, Thompson admitted to a significant number of thefts that exceeded initial police estimates. Detective Sergeant Andy Coakley from South Wales Police highlighted Thompson’s modus operandi, where he camouflaged his criminal acts by feigning deliveries for reputable organisations. Thompson strategically avoided direct eye contact with CCTV cameras and clandestinely filled his bag with stolen goods at various locations, engaging in trespassing, stealing, and burglaries.
Following Thompson’s arrest, he defiantly disputed allegations of breaking into properties, insisting he had only stolen parcels. However, subsequent investigations revealed a string of offenses committed by Thompson. He eventually pleaded guilty to 11 counts of burglary and confessed to additional offenses during a police interview. Thompson’s openness during the interview surprised Detective Coakley, who described it as a unique experience in his career.
Thompson’s frankness led to the discovery of further offenses, prompting a comprehensive re-examination of his criminal activities. In total, Thompson admitted to 27 out of 30 additional offenses, leading to his sentencing to seven years and one month in prison after pleading guilty at Cardiff Crown Court. Detective Inspector Phillip Marchant commended the police team’s efforts in identifying and bringing Thompson to justice, emphasizing the importance of supporting burglary victims.
The case of Phillip Thompson serves as a cautionary tale of how a deceptive individual exploited trust to commit crimes. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and technological tools played a crucial role in apprehending Thompson, underscoring the significance of proactive measures in combating criminal activities. Thompson’s sentencing reflects the severity of his actions and serves as a reminder of the consequences of preying on unsuspecting victims.