Thief jailed after stealing bicycles from primary school in Peterborough
It happened in September
A man, who stole bicycles from a primary school in Peterborough, has been jailed for more than two years.
Benjamin Trayford, 33, stole several bicycles from Hampton Vale Primary School, during a six-week spree starting in September last year.
He also stole bicycles from Hampton College and at Serpentine Green Shopping Centre.
Each time, he used a cutting tool to free the bikes from racks and ride off on them.
After this stealing spree, Trayford broke into a ground‑floor flat in Blackmead, Orton Malborne, by smashing a window on 10 December. He stole cash, electrical items and a gold sovereign coin worth £1,000.
Forensic analysis of blood left at the scene revealed Trayford’s DNA.
A court also heard how he took a car without the owner’s consent in Orton Malborne in December, as well as stealing washing detergent from Home Bargains, in Bourges Boulevard, on 24 January, a safe from B&Q, in Maskew Avenue, on 3 February, and various items worth more than £500 from Sainsbury’s, in Oxney Road, the following day.
Trayford, of no known address, admitted seven counts of theft of a pedal cycle, burglary, taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent and three counts of theft from a shop.
On Friday (8 May) at Cambridge Crown Court he was jailed for two years and two months.
The judge also imposed a three-year criminal behaviour order, with stipulations including not being in possession of a bicycle without proof of ownership.
PC Kerrie Godden said: “Trayford relentlessly stole with no thought about the impact his crimes were having. To steal from primary school children is particularly callous.
“I’m pleased he has now appeared in court and answered for his crimes.”