Jail for bicycle thief who targeted Peterborough school

Benjamin Trayford, 33, stole multiple bicycles from Hampton Vale Primary School in Peterborough over a six-week period that began in September last year.

He also stole bikes from Hampton College and Serpentine Green Shopping Centre, using a cutting tool to remove them from racks.

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."

On December 10, Trayford broke into a ground-floor flat in Blackmead, Orton Malborne, by smashing a window and stealing cash, electronics, and a gold sovereign coin worth £1,000.

Forensic analysis of blood left at the scene identified him as the suspect.

He also took a car without the owner’s consent in Orton Malborne the same month.

On January 24, Trayford stole washing detergent from Home Bargains on Bourges Boulevard.

Ten days later, he took a safe from B&Q on Maskew Avenue and on February 4 stole items worth more than £500 from Sainsbury’s on Oxney Road.

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.

He was sentenced to two years and two months in prison at Cambridge Crown Court on May 8.