Teenager charged over series of burglaries in St Ives

Police have charged a 17-year-old with a series of six house burglaries and two additional offences committed across the St Ives area.

The crime spree included stolen property including cash, games consoles and games, laptop computers, mobile phones and even a car, stolen over a two-week period.

The two additional charges relate to aggravated vehicle taking and fraud by false representation.

The stolen car - a Suzuki Swift - was described by police as being used dangerously - and in such a way that damage was caused to a fence at a residential property and damage to the vehicle itself.

The charge of fraud by false representation relates to the use of a bank card, stolen during one of the burglaries.

All of the offences were committed between late July and early August.

Detective Inspector Ben Newton credited the arrest to colleague PCSO Angie Wilson whose “intimate knowledge helped her to identify the suspect”.

Officer in the case, DC Lisa Bacon said: “This serves as a timely reminder to everyone for the need to be attentive to personal home security. Having your home burgled is one of the most distressing ways to fall victim to crime. It’s a good time to check door and window locks, security lights and sensors work, and consider participating in a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme.”

The teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reason, was remanded in custody and will appear at Peterborough Crown Court today (Wednesday) for a pre-trial review.