Peterborough burglar jailed after saying she was in victim’s garden to use the toilet when she was caught red handed

Samantha Smiley, 46, entered the property in Granville Street at about 11pm on 16 November, triggering an alarm.

A man who was upstairs rushed down to see Smiley grab his partner’s handbag and attempt to run out of the property via the kitchen.

However, she tripped as she left through the door and was tackled by the man, who restrained her until police arrived.

Smiley denied burglary and consistently claimed she was in the garden to use the toilet.

Smiley, of Huntly Grove, Peterborough, was convicted of burglary on 12 April after a trial at Cambridge Crown Court.

Today (10 May) at the same court she was jailed for three years.

DC Luke Steenson said: “Smiley denied the offence and invented a story about needing to go to the toilet. However, she wasn’t fooling anyone and it was clear what she was actually doing at the property.

“As well as the financial cost, burglary can have a significant and long-lasting psychological impact on victims and communities. We’re working hard to tackle the issue and bring perpetrators before the courts.

“The public play a key role in helping us combat burglary. If you notice people acting suspiciously around properties in your community, please report it.”