Scrap metal stolen from Walsall forging company

But the gang were spotted passing items over the side of the WH Tildesley building in Bow Street, Willenhall, on the night of January 20 by an occupant of St Giles' Court nearby.

Mr Nick Baker, prosecuting, said the stolen scrap was being stacked up on the railway embankment at the back of the premises. Around three hours later, at 1.30am, the same resident noticed more suspicious behaviour and contacted police.

When officers arrived, the gang ran off towards Portobello island. Smith was caught and two others arrested close by.

Mr Baker said that one of the gang had kicked the CCTV at the company off the wall so they could not be identified.

The cameras had been put up because of security problems, Walsall Magistrates Court heard. Jamie Smith, aged 25, of Barrett Road, Willenhall, pleaded guilty to burglary. He told police he had bumped into the other two at midnight as he made his way to his aunt's house in Raleigh Street.

They had asked him if he wanted to make some money by helping them to move some scrap metal.

When they arrived at the firm's Clifford Works, he saw the premises were locked. His job was to stack the metal on ground near the Rosehill flats. When caught he accepted his responsibility but the other two declined to make a statement.

The court heard Smith had not been in trouble since 2006, when he was before the court for motoring offences.

Theft charges were recorded against him in 2002 and 2005.

All the stolen property was recovered.

The case against Smith was adjourned until Friday for a pre-sentence report.