Reverend reunited with laptop stolen in Shrewsbury thanks to 'magpie PC'

Reverend Rupert Toovey, is also a full time auctioneer and may be recognisable to fans of the television programme Bargain Hunt.

He was travelling from Sussex to Shropshire in May when his laptop was stolen as his train stopped off at Shrewsbury.

But despair soon turned to delight when Rev Toovey received an unexpected call weeks later from police telling him his property had been found.

The stolen item had been recovered from a second-hand shop 30 miles away by Constable Brian Churm, Walsall Police's magpie officer.

The result was somewhat of a landmark for PC Churm himself, who despite serving as a police officer for over two decades, had just taken up the role of magpie officer for a matter of weeks.

He said: "In my 22 years of service I have never seen someone so delighted with the work of the police. Mr Toovey visited Bloxwich police station with his wife where I reunited him with his laptop.

"As an auctioneer I'm sure this is the first time he has ever been so grateful for valuables to be returned to him!"

The role of magpie officer allows police across the West Midlands to forge strong relationships with second hand and pawn shops to prevent the sale of stolen items.

PC Churm added: "A lot of the time we're not just returning stolen items, we're returning irreplaceable memories and items that have great sentimental value.

"But these results aren't just down to me. Shops across the town are also united with us in removing profit from crime and there is a lot members of the public can do to increase the chances of stolen items being returned to them."

Members of public are encouraged to follow Rupert's example and record the serial numbers of electronics, jewellery and other valuables by registering them online at www.immobilise.com

Registering items not only helps stop thieves selling them on, it also helps officers identify and return stolen property to its rightful owners.