Serial thief with more than 30 previous convictions is jailed after facial recognition led police to him carrying a knife and drugs

Daniel Franks, 36, was out on licence from an earlier prison term for burglary and thefts from cars when he struck again across Barry, adding to more than 30 theft convictions, mostly for stealing from vehicles. Officers stopped him on Holton Road on 27 October 2026 and found cannabis, cocaine and a blade.

Sentenced on 28 October 2026, Daniel Franks, 36, went from street arrest to prison in barely a day.

'Swift positive action' put Daniel Franks before the courts, said PC Patryk Juraszek of Barry's neighbourhood police team.

Victims should feel reassured Daniel Franks has been 'brought to justice', says PC Patryk Juraszek of South Wales Police.