Harry Potter coin thief who targeted home in Albion Terrace, Gravesend, jailed
Published: 15:11, 09 November 2021
Updated: 16:35, 09 November 2021
A thief who stole collectible Harry Potter coins during a burglary has been jailed.
Billy Treays broke a bathroom window which he used to enter a property in Albion Terrace, Gravesend.
While inside the 22-year-old searched the flat and stole the collectible coins worth £65, as well as some cash.
He also took "Olympic" £1 and 50p coins to the same value which formed part of another collection.
Treays, of no fixed address, also stole an Amber Leaf tobacco tin belonging to the victim’s father during the burglary which took place on Tuesday September 14.
But he was caught and arrested a week later by officers who managed to trace the brazen burglar using CCTV.
As part of the investigation, footage obtained by the officers showed Treays attempt to enter the property by kicking in the front door.
After being unsuccessful he went to the back of the property before he disappeared from view.
He was then seen coming out the front door at around midday and jumping over railings before walking away carrying a red bag.
Treays was later charged with burglary and pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court.
He appeared before the same court on Wednesday, October 20 where he was jailed for two years and four months.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Dan Bister said: "This was a brazen burglary committed by Treays in broad daylight.
'Treays was swiftly brought to justice and is now serving a prison sentence.'
"He stole items that did not have a high value but would have meant a lot to the victim who had spent years collecting the coins.
"He also lost irreplaceable property that had belonged to his father and was of significant sentimental value.
"Treays was swiftly brought to justice and is now serving a prison sentence.
"This should act as a deterrent to any other criminals considering committing a similar offence."
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Sean Delaney