Man stole £300k worth of copper from Tamworth factory - but crucial mistake led police to him

NewsMidlands NewsTamworthShaun Smith was caught after his DNA was found at the scene11:08, 10 Aug 2026A man who stole around £300,000 worth of copper from a factory in Staffordshire was caught out by DNA evidence, police have said.‌Shaun Smith left a trail of evidence at the site in Tamworth and was later seen on CCTV loading copper onto the back of a truck.‌The 35-year-old was accompanied by other men who have not yet been found by police.‌Read more: Hunt to find motorbike duo after gunshots fired in city streetGet breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsAppSmith, from Wolverhampton, admitted burglary dwelling and theft and was jailed for three years and two months at Stafford Crown Court.‌Detective Sergeant Claire Rider, from our criminal investigations department, said: “Theft of this magn