Peterborough Burglar Jailed Following Extensive Crime Spree

A Relentless Crime Spree Brought to an End

A 37-year-old man from Essendyke, Bretton, has been sentenced to 52 months behind bars following a prolific crime spree across Peterborough. Luke Edwards pleaded guilty to a multitude of severe charges, including burglary, theft from a motor vehicle, fraud, motor vehicle interference, and breaching a criminal behaviour order.

Details of the Offenses

Edwards' series of crimes began on January 14 when he was caught trying car door handles in Oxclose, Bretton, successfully stealing items from a Skoda Superb. On February 12, he broke into a van parked near Peterborough Cathedral, making off with a bank card and designer trainers. The stolen card was subsequently used for fraudulent transactions in the city centre. His offenses continued on February 18 with the theft of a bicycle from a shed in Langley, Bretton. The spree finally culminated in the early hours of March 1, when Edwards broke into a property in Enfield Gardens, Netherton. He stole the keys to a grey Vauxhall Astra and drove away in the vehicle. Two hours later, police tracked him down to the parked stolen car, where they were forced to use incapacitant spray to arrest the resisting suspect.

Police Statement and Security Advice

Detective Constable Hannah Worthington commented on the sentencing: “Edwards was relentless, seemingly with little thought to the impact his crimes were having on other people. I’m pleased he was identified, admitted these offences and has now been jailed.”

To protect against opportunistic criminals like Edwards, residents should consider the following security measures:

• Never leave valuables, including loose change or bank cards, visible inside parked vehicles, and always ensure doors are securely locked.
• Secure sheds and outbuildings with heavy-duty padlocks and hasps, and consider fitting battery-operated alarms to alert you to any tampering.
• Keep car keys hidden away from the front door and out of sight to prevent 'key fishing' through letterboxes.