A POSTMAN was caught in a sting operation after his bosses became suspicious about missing money from greetings cards.

Richard Moisley, of Bankfield Avenue Kirkheaton, could face jail after stealing postal packages.

When he appeared before Dewsbury Magistrates’ Court yesterday he pleaded guilty to stealing £40 from a greeting card and attempting to steal an unknown quantity of postal packets which belonged to Royal Mail.

The 36-year-old became the subject of various surveillance operations after mail went missing from his delivery area.

Charles Watson, prosecuting on behalf of Royal Mail, said: “On September 14 a testing surveillance operation using three specially prepared postal packets were introduced into the defendant’s mail. Two of the items were not to be delivered.”

When the packages were not returned, Moisley was investigated and interviewed.

“His pouch was searched and the second bundle contained five greeting card postal packages – three of which were the specially identified items.

“He went on to admit he had taken packets every now and again for the past nine months.

“He said the money was spent on anything from items for his daughter to alcohol and cigarettes.”