Frustration as police seem to only start investigating Northampton burglary and fraud after official complaint

The victim of a burglary and fraud in Northampton says she has been left frustrated claiming police only investigated after she complained to a watchdog.

Billy Dawes' car was broken into in a private car park in Regent Square by a thief who stole his bank card, which they then used in two shops on Thursday (February 11).

The fraudulent spending and the offender approaching the new Audi A4 was caught on CCTV but he claims Northamptonshire Police initially told the Delapre resident that there was nothing they could do.

He complained to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and an officer called to confirm it was being investigated and arranged an appointment to take more details yesterday (Tuesday). They had not expected to hear back from the IPCC for two weeks.

His sister, Laura Dawes, who contacted the Chronicle & Echo, said: "They received my complaint and have now decided to investigate. It’s not good enough that it’s taken a complaint for that to happen."

Mr Dawes left his car at his partner's secure car park at around 8pm and 15 minutes later, a man in a hooded jacket is seen on CCTV approaching the car, which is out of shot.

They had tried and failed to prize open the passenger door so they smashed the driver's side window to take the bank card and car park fob.

The suspect is then seen at two different shops using the stolen bank card, spending around £70, according to the proprietors who insisted the police had to ask for the CCTV for them to hand it over.

After Ms Dawes claims she was told to contact said the force told him that they do not look into 'small crimes' so he should contact his insurance company.

A police spokeswoman said: "This was reported to us at 7.25am on February 12, and occurred sometime between 7.30pm on February 11, and 6.30am on February 12, when a white Audi A4 was broken into in St Andrews Street, Northampton.

"This is a live case and is actively being investigated. An appointment has been booked to take more information, review CCTV, and then progress lines of enquiry."