A MAN who stole personal belongings and railway equipment as well as causing thousands of pounds in damage to property has been jailed for 21 months.

Joseph Guiheen, 44, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Friday June 18 where he pled guilty to three counts of theft by house breaking.

He carried out the three break-ins just days before Christmas on December 13 and 24, 2020 as well as another on January 15 this year.

Items stolen included three iPhones, a Network Rail Samalite torch, 2 HP laptops, a charity box and other railway equipment. He also caused £4,635 worth of damage to property and stole the bag of an on-duty staff member with contents including headphones, aftershave and expensive clothing worth around £200.

British Transport Police officers arrested Mr Guiheen on January 17.

BTP Detective Constable Thomas Gallagher said: “This was a determined and brazen theft which could have cost the railway over £9,000 in loss.

“This sentence demonstrates just how seriously the courts take these incidents, and I’m sure this custodial sentence will give the individual plenty of time to reflect on his actions.

“We are committed to tackling all forms of theft and work closely with Network Rail and other industry partners to make the railway a difficult place for these criminals to operate.

“If you spot any suspicious activity on the railway, please report it to BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40. In an emergency always call 999.”