Prison for burglar who struck two days after being released

A burglar who broke into a home just two days after being released from prison has been jailed again.

Peter Smith prised open the window of a home, in Westfield Road, Yaxley, on 26 February, and stole £400 in cash as well as a family heirloom, a sentimental 150-year-old gold locket.

The 41-year-old then broke in through the window of a home in Moggswell Lane, Peterborough, on 16 March and took £10 in coins.

The following day Smith attempted to break into a property in George Street in Peterborough.

Smith’s DNA was found on a metal bar at the scene in Yaxley and was seen on CCTV images at both of the Peterborough incidents. He was identified by officers and arrested on 18 March.

At Peterborough Crown Court yesterday (4 December), Smith, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary and one attempted burglary. He was sentenced to five years in prison.

Detective Constable Sarah Longbottom, who investigated, said: “Smith is a prolific burglar, having previously served time for multiple offences. He had been out of prison for just two days when his offending started again this time.

“Burglary is not a victimless crime. It is a violation of a person’s home where they are entitled to feel safe and secure. Smith has reversed this feeling for yet more victims and taken from them items that can never be replaced.”