Prolific Cambridge bike thief jailed

A man who stole five bikes in the city has been sent down for six months.

40-year-old John Bruce Miller of Highdene Road in Cambridge was captured on CCTV stealing the bikes, which were all locked, from Corpus Christi College, Downing College, Perry Cury, Severn Place and Sandy Lane between 28 May and 8 July.

He was also caught stealing a pair of bolt croppers from B&Q on Newmarket Road on 6 July as well as goods including deodorant, coffee and frozen meals from Co-Ops in Perne Road, and Cambourne, and Nisa in Teversham Drift between 25 June and 6 July.

Miller's six month prison sentence is suspended for 20 months after he plead guilty to eight counts of breaching a criminal behaviour order, five counts of bike theft, five counts of theft from a shop and one count of criminal damage. 

He must also pay £100 compensation to the five bike theft victims.

PC Luke Upcott, from the Spree Offending Team:

“We recognise the harm that is caused when a cycle is stolen and we’re working hard to reduce cycle crime and put offenders like Miller before the courts.”

In October 2022, a multi-agency Cambridge Cycle Crime Prevent Task and Finish Group was set up by Cambridge City Council alongside Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Camcycle, businesses, universities and community groups.