Jail for burglar who went on stealing spree
Marc Sunderland also tried to sell a bike he had stolen back to its owner.
A burglar who went on an overnight crime spree in Peterborough tried to sell a stolen bicycle back to its rightful owner.
Marc Sunderland, 44, began his spree on 31st July at around 9pm, attempting to break into two homes in Eastern Avenue, Dogsthorpe.
He fled when disturbed by one of the occupants, but later that night managed to burgle a property in Eye Road, stealing several items - including a bike.
At about 11.40pm, the victim and a friend went outside for a cigarette and spotted Sunderland sitting on the stolen bicycle across the road.
After realising the bike was missing, the pair confronted Sunderland, who brazenly tried to sell it back to them.
When they refused, he handed it over and walked away.
Sunderland then travelled to Eye, where his crime spree continued. At around 1.30am, he broke into a property in The Cloisters and stole a blue Mercedes GLC, an Apple laptop and a purse.
The car was later found parked in Thorney Road, Eye, with the laptop still inside. Police recovered the vehicle and carried out forensic tests.
Over the course of the night, Sunderland also broke into a garage in Peterborough Road, made a racist comment towards someone, broke into two other outbuildings, caused damage to a fence and attempted to get into a car in Monks Drive.
He was later identified through CCTV footage and arrested.
Sunderland, of Beverley Court, Pioneer Park, Eye, admitted three counts of burglary, three of attempted burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, criminal damage, vehicle interference and a racially aggravated public order offence.
At Cambridge Crown Court on Friday 3rd October, he was sentenced to 40 months in prison.
Detective Constable Hannon said: “Sunderland was relentless in his attempts to steal from people during this overnight spree. To steal a bicycle and then try to sell it back to the victim was particularly brazen but I’m pleased most of the stolen items were found and returned to their rightful owners.
“We know the psychological, as well as financial, impact burglary can have on victims, which is why combatting it is a priority.”
For burglary crime prevention advice, visit the dedicated section of the Cambridgeshire Police website.