Unlocked Door Tempts Burglar in City Centre Flat Raid
Lucy Hutchinson, 40, was out for a pre-dawn stroll along Lincoln Road in the city centre just after 5.30am on 11 February when she spotted an unlocked flat. Seizing her chance, she tried the door handle – and it swung open.
Confronted by Couple, Burglar Snatches £2,000 Handbag
Hutchinson crept upstairs and poked her nose into one of the bedrooms. But the tenants, a couple who had just woken, caught her red-handed and chased her out. On her way out, she grabbed a handbag stuffed with over £2,000 in cash and bank cards.
She sprinted to a nearby convenience store, trailed closely by the male victim. The shop owner sprang into action, grabbing Hutchinson by the coat. After grilling her about breaking into the flat, the owner let her go – and she bolted back along Lincoln Road.
CCTV Footage Leads to Arrest After Weeks on Run
Police identified Hutchinson from CCTV cameras around the area and in the shop. She remained at large until 2 March when she was finally caught in Peterborough.
Known Offender Sentenced to Three Years in Jail
Already on an 18-month community order with a year-long mental health treatment from March 2022, Hutchinson of no fixed address faced Peterborough Crown Court on 6 April. She pleaded guilty to burglary, breaching her community order, and failing to surrender to court. The judge handed her a three-year prison sentence.
Detective Constable Craig Trevor said: “Hutchinson is a prolific criminal with several offences against her name. Despite various means of support, she continues to break the law and I hope she spends her time in prison reflecting on her actions.”
