A thief who stole Harry Potter coins during a burglary in Gravesend has been jailed.
Billy Treays broke a bathroom window which he used to enter the property in Albion Terrace.
While inside he searched the flat and stole the collectable coins worth £65 as well as a quantity of cash. He also stole £65 in ‘Olympic’ £1 and 50p coins which were part of another collection.
Treays, of no fixed address, also stole an Amber Leaf tobacco tin belonging to the victim’s late father during the burglary on Tuesday 14 September 2021.
As part of the investigation, CCTV was located which 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 witnessed emerging from the front door at around midday and then jumping over railings before walking away carrying a red bag.
Officers recognised Treays from the CCTV and he was arrested on Tuesday 21 September.
He was later charged with burglary and pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court. On Wednesday 20 October the 22-year-old 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.
‘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.’