Prolific bike thief jailed and handed Criminal Behaviour Order – Oxford

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a prolific bike thief has been jailed and has received a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) following a series of bike thefts across Oxford.

Andrew Hurtault, aged 45 and of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 34 months’ imprisonment at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday (22/10).

In addition to the custodial sentence, Hurtault was ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge and was made subject to a five-year CBO aimed at preventing further offending.

At an earlier hearing at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on 16 July, Hurtault pleaded guilty to seven counts of theft of a pedal cycle and one count of going equipped for theft.

The offences related to the theft of a number of bicycles, including high-value e-bikes, from locations across Oxford between June and July this year. Hurtault was captured on CCTV carrying out several of the thefts.

Among the stolen bikes was an e-bike belonging to Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran, which was taken from The Plain at around 11pm on 3 July. The bike had been securely locked and was valued at approximately £2,200.

Hurtault was arrested on 15 July after stealing a bicycle from University College, Oxford. Officers swiftly located him and found him in possession of the stolen bike, along with a number of tools used to steal bicycles. He was charged the following day.

As part of the Criminal Behaviour Order, Hurtault is prohibited from:

• Possessing any mechanically propelled vehicle, bicycle, scooter, skateboard or other conveyance unless it has been registered with Thames Valley Police by a police officer and he is carrying proof of that registration.
• Possessing any bicycle part, accessory or lock unless accompanied by a valid receipt or other proof of ownership.
• Possessing any tools or implements capable of damaging locks or removing bicycle parts while in a public place.

Investigating officer PC William Matthews, of the Cowley and East Oxford Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Bike theft has a significant impact on victims, many of whom rely on their bicycles for work, education and day-to-day life.

“The Cowley and East Oxford Neighbourhood Policing Team is committed to tackling this type of offending and takes a proactive approach to identifying and pursuing those responsible.

“Hurtault was a prolific offender who targeted bicycles across the city, causing inconvenience and financial loss to numerous victims. Thanks to CCTV evidence and the swift action of officers, he was identified, arrested and brought before the courts.

“I welcome this sentence and the Criminal Behaviour Order, which will help prevent further offending and provide reassurance to the public that we will continue to pursue those responsible for bike theft. I also hope Hurtault uses this time to engage with rehabilitative services and make positive changes for the future.”

Layla Moran MP, Member of Parliament for Oxford West and Abingdon, said: “I am very grateful to the police for catching Andrew Hurtault, who was a serial bike thief and is now due to be sentenced for several offences. 

“Special thanks to my constituents who provided some leads following my posting the story online.

“Sadly, this type of theft is all too common in Oxford and I am pleased that as a result of this the CCTV on The Plain is now working again.”

AP