Two men sentenced to time behind bars following vehicle thefts in Forest Hall and Benton.

Across the span of a week in late November, a number of vehicles were broken into and had belongings stolen from them in the early hours of the morning.

Officers from Killingworth Neighbourhood Team investigated and carried out targeted patrols and as a result, two men were arrested and have now been sentenced to time behind bars.

Jonathan Smart, aged 35, from Elizabeth Drive in Forest Hall, has received a 21 week custodial sentence for receiving stolen goods and two counts of theft.

Craig Brown, aged 40, from South Parade in Whitley Bay, has been sentence to 42 weeks in prison for thefts from motor vehicles, as well as possession of a sharp pointed article, shoplifting and breaching a suspended sentence.

Neighbourhood Sergeant James Brady, Northumbria Police, welcomes the sentences and warns others of the consequences.

He said: “We work closely with local residents and partners to deploy a problem solving approach to criminal activity and through hard work officers were able to apprehend the thieves and get a conviction at court.

“These types of crime are extremely personal and intrusive for the victim. Not only do they suffer financial loss but the stress and fear that can come with that can be devastating.

“These sentences prove the lengths my officers will go to in order to bring offenders to court. Quite simply, theft of any kind will not be tolerated and we will investigate.”