A JUDGE has hit out at car criminals after a solicitor told a court a thief and handler had got property which wasn't worth much.

District Judge P Ward said car crime was "absolutely rife," and people could not safely park their vehicles because of people such as Scott Christopher Dumigan, 22, and many others like him.

The district judge had been told Dumigan wanted a fly wheel cover, so he went and took one from a motorcycle which he targeted twice. He failed the first time so went back and did it again.

The defendant had also handled property stolen from cars and the judge said while Dumigan was not said to have been the thief, whoever was would have damaged the vehicles.

That would have left the owners with "all the hassle," of getting it put right and finding broken glass in their vehicles for weeks afterwards.

Dumigan, of Eastham Street, Burnley, who has 12 previous convictions for theft, had admitted theft and handling stolen goods allegations. He was given 100 hours community punishment.

Philip Turner, defending at Burnley Magistrates Court, said the value of the goods in Dumigan's possession was not high.