Stolen ‘selfie’ leads to police appeal

Police want to trace the man (pictured) who was photographed on the stolen e-reader account just hours after Kenilworth burglaries.

Officers investigating break-ins at two houses in The Gardens in November want to speak to the man or anyone who may have information as to his whereabouts.

Back on November 7 the adjoining houses were broken into and items including a Kindle Fire, jewellery and an Ipod were stolen from inside.

One victim later replaced the stolen Kindle - but when he activated his previous account with the new device, found the stored image of an unknown man which had been taken just hours after the burglary took place.

Investigating, Police Staff Investigator Russ Marsh, said officers believe the photograph was taken inadvertently by someone handling the stolen Kindle.

The image then saved itself to the original owners account, which he found when he reactivated the replacement.

“We would very much like to speak to this person as they may have valuable information about the burglary,” he said.

“We are asking anyone who recognises the man to make contact with the police.”

Anyone with information can contact PSI Marsh at Leamington CID on 682481 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Officers are now urging owners of electronic equipment to use tracking devices which are now easily available to help trace stolen items.

Many devices have the tracking applications already installed which simply have to be activated as per device instructions or advice online.

There are also a number of apps, such as Prey and Find my iPhone which can be downloaded for free.

Officers are also warning residents to register their electronic equipment on the national property register www.immobilise.com

The programme is free to use and can help police trace stolen property.