Hemingford Grey man jailed for attempted burglary of neighbour's home
Sam Biddle exploited a position of trust to plan break-in.
A man who attempted to burgle his neighbour’s home in Hemingford Grey has been sentenced to prison.
Sam Biddle, 51, from Margetts, was entrusted to receive a parcel for his neighbour on 1st July.
Once aware that the property was empty, Biddle planned a break-in.
He initially left the parcel by the front door at 6:22pm but returned later between 8:08pm and 9:35pm, wearing gloves and a face covering.
During his repeated visits, Biddle attempted various methods to gain entry, including testing the front door, removing a CCTV camera, trying to force open a side door, and smashing a windowpane.
The police were alerted after the homeowner received notifications from the CCTV system.
Biddle was identified by detectives from the CCTV footage and arrested.
He was sentenced at Peterborough Crown Court to two years and three months in prison for admitting attempted burglary and activating a previous suspended sentence.
Detective Sergeant Jonathan Lockwood from the Southern Acquisitive Crime Team described the offence as a "calculated" breach of trust, with Biddle using his knowledge of the house to return concealed in efforts to break in.
The court commended the property's security system for notifying the victim, enabling police to arrest Biddle.