A Bradford miniskips business targeted by a man with 107 offences on his criminal record had stepped up security after previously being broken into up to 15 times.

The firm, which was in Shipley but has now relocated, was burgled on September 6, 2020, by Wayne Kenny and an accomplice who got away with property including two circular saws, a drill and two brass horse statues.

Kenny, 45, of Tudor Barn Court, Wrose, pleaded guilty to the burglary, two offences of possession of a bladed article in a public place, and two of failing to surrender to his bail.

He was jailed for six months yesterday on a video link to Bradford Crown Court from HMP Leeds where he had been in custody on remand for three months.

Prosecutor Emily Jenkins said Kenny had 43 convictions for 107 offences, including 54 of theft and related matters, possession of a bladed article and multiple burglaries.

Miss Jenkins said he was caught with a lock knife in Windsor Road, Shipley, on July 16, 2020. He failed to attend court and was arrested on a warrant.

Kenny was stopped by the police at 5pm in possession of the knife and a large spanner.

The miniskips business was targeted at 11.30am when Kenny and an accomplice were spotted by a CCTV operative while they were acting suspiciously at the premises.

One climbed the fence and handed stolen items over to the second man.

A Police Community Support Officer saw the burglars in Leeds Road and Kenny was arrested with stolen property on him, as well as needles and a torch.

Miss Jenkins said the business owner reported that he had been broken into up to 15 times in the past. He had increased security at his firm and was dismayed to have been targeted again.

On January 25 last year, Kenny was again arrested with a knife in his bag.

His barrister, David McGonigal, said he did not produce the knives to threaten anyone with them. His previous conviction for having a bladed article was 24 years ago.

The burglary involved limited intrusion into the property.

Mr McGonigal said Kenny’s offending had reduced in frequency and seriousness.

“It is possible that he’s beginning to change his approach to life,” he said.

His probation officer had put forward a series of measures to help him tackle his issues with drugs and alcohol and he had settled accommodation with his mother.

Recorder Anthony Kelbrick jailed Kenny for six months, telling him he should be eligible for release in a few days.