Thief admits to stealing wallets for the 'thrill'

The man told the police he did it for the "thrill". Photo / File

A thief who broke into cars and stole wallets before going on a spending spree told police he just did it "for the thrill of it".

Ricky James Foster, 32, was caught breaking into seven cars in Christchurch between April 26 and June 2 this year. He stole wallets and used victims' bank and credit cards to spend up at various city petrol stations. He mainly bought cigarettes.

When police caught up with him, his only explanation was that he did it for the "thrill".

He said he used the cards straight after stealing them to lessen the risk of the victims discovering their cars had been broken in to and cancelling their card.

Foster pleaded guilty to 37 charges of theft and using bank or credit cards for pecuniary advantage at Christchurch District Court today.

The victims have all been compensated by their banks.

But police are seeking $4200 in reparation for other items taken and not recovered.

Judge Stephen O'Driscoll remanded Foster on bail to be sentenced on October 29.