Opportunistic thief ignored court order

A thief who breached a court order by getting into someone else’s car has been jailed.

Paul Priestley, 47, was caught on CCTV getting into the car in Kilbride Way, Orton Northgate, Peterborough.

It was a breach of a five-year criminal behaviour order (CBO) imposed on him in March 2023.

Priestley was arrested at his home in Bourne Road, Alford, Lincolnshire, and charged with the CBO breach and vehicle interference.

He appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Friday (29 August) and was jailed for three months after previously admitting the offences.

PC Curtis Quirk said: “Opportunist thieves will often try handles until they find a car that’s unlocked.

“When leaving your car, even if just for a short amount of time, it is important to ensure its doors are locked and windows are shut.”

Priestley’s CBO stipulated he must:

• Observe a curfew at his home between 11pm and 6am every night, and to make himself available to officers checking compliance with the curfew
• Not touch or enter any unattended vehicle without the express permission of the owner

More advice on how to protect your vehicle can be found on the force website.