July 2009 local officers from the Plympton neighbourhood team and CID identified a series of burglaries to licensed premises in the local area believed to be connected. Evidence was gathered including CCTV which appeared to indicate a single male suspect gaining entry to premises after closing time by force and using a tool or implement to remove cash from gaming machines once inside. The suspect appeared to know the location of CCTV cameras in various premises and covered his face and head whilst comitting the offences.

Similar repeat offences occurred between August and October at the same locations.

Numerous resources were utilised in order to prevent further offences and detect the crimes comitted, such as increased targeted high visibility patrols, intelligence research, plain clothed officers patrolling at relevant times, target hardenning (bars / shutters on windows, lighting etc), all with the cooperation of the establishments effected.

In November a suspect was identified and arrested after his DNA was found at the scene of a similar crime and he admitted ten burglaries in total.

December - convicted at PMC - 12 mths prison suspended, 200hrs community service, supervision by probation and Gambling Anonymous and payback all the victims compensation totaling £7000.