DC Chapman

DC Chapman was the police autotheft liaison who investigated the theft of Alf Roberts's car radio and cassette player in 1991.

Audrey Roberts called the police when Alf's car window was smashed and the radio taken for the second time in recent weeks. Alf hadn't reported the initial theft as the radio had turned up in Derek Wilton's car having been sold to Mavis by Steve McDonald, but Audrey refused to turn a blind eye a second time and went behind her husband's back by reporting the theft. DC Chapman visited the Corner Shop to question the Councillor and, thinking her to be a regular customer, Alf made her wait while he argued with Audrey about what she'd done. Only when Chapman introduced herself did Alf realise that he'd accidentally let her hear the whole story, which he was then forced to clarify. Chapman then went to The Kabin and got Mavis to confirm Alf's story before questioning Steve at 11 Coronation Street. Steve admitted to buying radios from a mate, but refused to name his source and was taken to the police station to make a statement.

The next day, Liz McDonald received the names of Steve's mates from Andy - Carl Redfern, Stuart Cunliffe, Scott Mason, Micky Robinson and Craig Wilson - and passed the information onto the police, allowing them to seize a dozen stolen radios from Carl. However, this didn't absolve Steve as he'd bought the radios so cheaply that his plea that he bought them in good faith didn't hold water, and fearful that he'd be beaten up he maintained that the lads named weren't involved. Chapman therefore charged Steve with dishonestly handling stolen goods.

The following January, Steve attended the City Magistrates Court where he was fined £100.