Two days after getting a suspended sentence for stealing, a man has been caught trying to take someone’s bike in Watford.

James Anderson, of no fixed abode, had been given two weeks’ prison suspended for 12 months on Thursday, May 9, at Hatfield Magistrates’ Court.

He had tried to leave Sainsbury’s in Albert Road South without paying for a men’s watch and two bottles of alcohol. Security staff detained him until police arrived.

Then on Saturday (May 11), having just narrowly dodged jail, the 37-year-old was seen by officers attempting to nab a bike in High Street.

It triggered the suspended sentence and Anderson was jailed for two weeks. The victim’s bike was returned to them.

Inspector Dan Jones from the Watford neighbourhood policing team said: “We understand the impact theft has on individuals and on businesses. Our officers take all reports seriously and are committed to ensuring we take robust action against this type of crime.”

Theft and drugs sentencing

In a separate incident, a Watford man was sentenced for a string of crimes including possession of a class B drug and theft.

Haben Ghebreamlak, of Charter Place in Watford, was charged after a pedal cycle was taken from outside Lidl in Lower High Street on Wednesday (May 15).

Herts Police tracked the 34-year-old using CCTV before he was arrested and charged with:

-Two counts of breaching a Community Protection Notice.
-Theft from a shop on 2 May 2024.
-Taking a pedal cycle without owner’s consent on 15 May 2024.
-Possession of a Class B drug.
-Handling of stolen goods (in relation to being in possession of a suspected stolen bank card). 

Ghebreamlak pleaded guilty at Hatfield Magistrates’ Court two days later and was sentenced to six weeks’ prison, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £539 in compensation and fines.

Inspector Jones said: “This kind of behaviour will not be tolerated in Watford. I hope this sentence shows that we will continue to take action against those who commit these crimes.”