Thief targeted schools in Peterborough to steal children's bicycles
A thief who targeted schools in Peterborough to steal children’s bicycles has been jailed.
Cambridgeshire police say Benjamin Trayford (33) stole a number of cycles from schools in the city during a six week crime spree.
Police say that he stole multiple bicycles from Hampton Vale Primary School over the six weeks starting in September last year and that he also stole bicycles from Hampton College as well as from the Serpentine Green Shopping Centre.
A police spokesperson said: “Each time, Trayford used a cutting tool to free the bikes from racks and ride off on them.”
Now Trayford, of no known address, has been told by a court that for the next three years he cannot be in possession of a bicycle without having proof of his ownership of it.
He was jailed for two years and two months at Cambridge Crown Court on May 8 after admitting 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.
The judge also imposed a three-year criminal behaviour order with stipulations including not being in possession of a bicycle without proof of ownership.
Police also say that following the spate of bike thefts, Trayford had broken into a ground‑floor flat in Blackmead, Orton Malborne, by smashing a window and stole cash, electrical items and a gold sovereign coin worth £1,000 on December 10.
Forensic analysis of blood left at the scene revealed Trayford’s DNA.
Police say that the court was also told how Trayford had taken 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 January 24, a safe from B&Q, in Maskew Avenue, on February 3, and various items worth more than £500 from Sainsbury’s, in Oxney Road, the following day.
Afterwards, 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.”