“Persistent” thief smashed car window to steal bag

A thief who smashed his way into a car parked in Peterborough city centre has been jailed.

Luke Edwards, 36, threw a stone at the window of a black Audi parked in Westgate between 11 and 12 September, breaking the glass.

He stole a bag containing keys, bank cards, a driving licence and documents relating to the vehicle.

On 11 September he also went to a hairdresser in Maskew Avenue, where he stole a hairdryer worth £99, as well as The Range, in Boongate, where he took two speakers worth about £120 without paying.

Three days later he stole laundry products worth £80 from Co-op, in Loxley, Werrington, and on 18 September he damaged the window of another car parked in Westgate by throwing a brick at it.

Edwards was also seen trying two car door handles in Bretton on 30 September.

He was identified from CCTV footage and arrested.

Edwards, of no known address, admitted theft from a motor vehicle, three counts of theft from a shop, criminal damage, and two counts of vehicle interference.

On Thursday (2 October) at Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court, he was jailed for 34 weeks. He was also given a criminal behaviour order for three years.

The order stipulates he must not touch any motor vehicle that does not belong to him without the permission of the owner.

PC Jack Jenkins, from the Spree Offender Team, said: “Edwards is a persistent offender who brazenly stole these items and thought nothing of smashing a car window in the city centre.

“I’m pleased he was identified, has been jailed and also been given a three-year court order, which we can use to help prevent further offending.”

Photo: Luke Edwards