THIS is the moment a jewellery thief is snared while eating a chippy after cops recognised his neon t-shirt.
Police bodycam footage shows James Wall munching on some fish and chips with an energy drink in a shop near Bexley, south east London, on December 13 last year.
An officer approaches him and asks: “Is it okay if I just have a look at your t-shirt? Show me your hands.”
Wall, acting confused, casually finishes his mouthful as cops cuff him and tell the youngster he’s under arrest.
The 20-year-old had fled to the chip shop and asked staff to put his phone on charge after burglarising a home in Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, at around 5.45pm that evening.
Wall stole Gucci and Cartier watches, a diamond ring and foreign currency from the home.
He then hurled vile verbal abuse at a local resident who asked why he was in the neighbourhood.
Kent Police were called after the altercation and Wall left the scene in a silver Vauxhall Insignia.
Officers tracked down the car on the A2 near Wilmington and a chase ensued.
Shocking dashcam footage shows the vehicle barrelling along the hard shoulder at speeds of up to 100mph.
The driver finally came to a stop when they attempted to travel the wrong way on the carriageway.
A 38-year-old man was arrested at the scene in connection with driving offences and has been released pending further investigation.
But Wall had already run away from the scene and a police dog handler was sent to find him.
Police also discovered two jewellery boxes, two false vehicle registration plates and a jewellery cleaning cloth inside the vehicle.
Wall, of Beverston Gardens in Bristol, Somerset, pleaded guilty to burglary at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday.
The 20-year-old was sentenced to two years in prison.
Detective Constable Celia King said: “Despite being confronted with a plethora of evidence proving he was responsible for the burglary, Wall initially refused to accept liability and laughed while watching footage from the pursuit.
“The judge took into consideration the high levels of planning involved in the burglary.
“As a result, Wall was handed an immediate custodial sentence.”
