Bicycle thief handed suspended sentence for string of offences

A man who stole several bicycles from Swindon has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

Jamie Loveridge, 28, pleaded guilty to four counts of theft and an additional count of criminal damage at Swindon Magistrates' Court on November 14.

He was sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years, and must complete 25 rehabilitation activity days.

Loveridge stole three bicycles between September 22 and October 10, one of which was valued at £1,350.

The defendant went on to steal £198 worth of products from Co-Op, in Groundwell Road, on October 28.

When officers arrested Loveridge for these offences on November 13, he criminally damaged police property at Gablecross.

PC Paul Bezzant, from the Swindon Neighbourhood Central South team, said: "Loveridge was a prolific thief who would violently tug bikes to break the poor locks securing them.

"We are advising people to invest in quality bike locks to deter opportunistic thieves and protect your property."

Double lock your bicycle with two quality D-locks close to a secure cycle stand, take removable parts with you and register your frame number on the national bike registration database.

You can also get your bike security marked - it's a highly effective, visible deterrent to bike thieves as they know that if they are caught with a registered bike, the owner can be traced and they will be arrested.

For more information about protecting your bike from theft, visit: Protect your bike from theft | Wiltshire Police