A CROOK went on a theft spree stealing bikes worth hundreds of pounds from train stations across south Essex.

Jack Bawden has been locked up after admitting the five thefts from various stations in 2019.

The 18-year-old from Lever Lane, Rochford first stole a bike worth £469 from Billericay Station on Radford Way on August 5 that year.

Two days later, he returned to the same station and stole another bike worth £400.

On August 28, at Rochford Train Station near West Street, he stole a third bike worth £300.

On September 2 at Hockley Railway Station, he stole a Yamaha moped worth £1,160.

The following month on October 4, he tried to steal another bike from Rochford Train Station, but he was foiled in his attempt and later arrested.

Bawden appeared at Basildon Magistrates' Court where he admitted all of his offending.

The magistrates' bench said that Bawden had gone on a "spree" and had numerous previous convictions during his life.

He was sentenced to a total of six months and two weeks in prison.