BREAKING into several Ashurst sheds and stealing two electric bikes cost a burglar hundreds of pounds when he appeared before magistrates.
Frankie Hunt (28), of Ennerdale Road, Southampton, forced his way into the outbuildings on Lyndhurst Road shortly before 1.30am on Monday 9th September, causing damage in the process, the city’s Bench heard.
The victims raised the alarm after hearing Hunt attempting to angle grind his way through a metal chain which was attached to one of the bikes.
Several sheds were broken into (picture: stock image)
He took the second bike from another shed, but this was later found in the garden.
Police dog Blaze and his handler were among the police team that responded to the call-out, and Hunt was caught in one of the sheds.
Having pleaded guilty, he was handed a 12-month community order, requiring he carry out 100 hours of unpaid community work.
Magistrates also told him to pay £440 in compensation, along with £199 in court charges.
Welcoming the court outcome, PC Mike Chapman, who led the investigation, said: “A lot of hard work went into this case, and I am glad for the victims that Hunt has had to face up to his crime and reflect upon his actions that night.
“Everyone should be able to go to sleep at night without the worry of their residential property or outbuildings being broken into and items stolen.
“I hope this sentence offers others out there the reassurance that we will always work hard to arrest, charge and prosecute offenders.”
PC Chapman added: “This should also send out a very clear message to others thinking of doing similar that we will do all we can to ensure you are brought before the courts.”
Local officers posting online shared the victims’ praise for their “excellent and timely response” to the 999 call-out to an intruder at the address.
“We appreciate all of the valuable time it will have taken in writing up endless statements, reports, case file prep, interviews, etc,” they had said.
“We are very impressed with all involved in our burglary incident, and are very grateful to all police officers and staff who have had any dealings with our case.”