A SERIAL thief who stole thousands of pounds of satellite navigation systems from cars has been put behind bars.

Philip Watts, aged 30, of Lincoln Road, Slade Green, appeared at Blackfriars Crown Court last week and admitted one charge of going equipped for theft on July 9 this year.

He also asked for 107 other offences to be taken into consideration.

In April this year he was caught by police and appeared at Bexley Magistrates' Court and admitted two charges of theft from cars, one of criminal damage and one of going equipped to steal.

After Watts' arrest officers recovered a cache of property stolen from cars, including DVD players, stereo systems and a satellite navigation system.

To the police's dismay he was given a 12-month supervision order and a 7am to 7pm home curfew order.

But on the day the curfew was lifted on July 9, Watts was arrested outside his home in Lincoln Road at 1.40am and was found to be carrying a screwdriver, glove, torch and a scanner to monitor police activity.

Police estimate Watts had stolen more than £80,000 worth of property from cars.

In total he admitted 160 offences, 53 of which will remain on file.

A police spokesman praised the eight-strong team who worked on the case.

He said: "Watts' activities prompted a leaflet and media campaign about the dangers of leaving satellite navigation systems in cars.

"He is a prolific thief who received the maximum time in jail. We are delighted he is off the streets of Bexley."