A prolific thief has been convicted of stealing from unlocked cars - after being caught red handed by police in Gateshead.

Gordon Simpson, 42, has been jailed for 30 weeks after he was arrested by police in Low Fell at the end of last month.

In the early hours of May 31 a resident on Wynbury Road had contacted police to report a man acting suspiciously.

The caller said the man, who he did not know, had been trying a number of car doors on the street in a bid to commit a theft.

He stayed on the phone and described how the man was sitting inside a neighbour's car and rifling through its contents.

Officers were immediately dispatched to the scene where they caught Simpson red handed.

Simpson, of Newbold Court, Gateshead, was found inside the vehicle and was also carrying a carrier bag full of stolen goods.

He was arrested and charged with a string of offences before pleading guilty at Newcastle Magistrates Court on June 6.

Simpson was released on bail but on Friday (June 21) he was jailed for 30 weeks by magistrates in South Tyneside.

Neighbourhood Inspector Mick Robson praised the vigilance of the resident who reported the incident to police.

He said: "Gordon Simpson is a prolific thief who has numerous convictions to his name and will take any opportunity to steal from other people.

"He is a person who has no regard for the impact his offending will have on his victims and despite his warnings he continues to live a life of crime.

"Simpson has spent time behind bars in the past and has now been jailed again after being caught red handed by police last month.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank the resident who contacted police after noticing the suspicious activity on his street.

"He picked up the phone and contacted police and his vigilance allowed us to make a quick arrest and return any stolen property to their rightful owner.

"The local community are our greatest asset in tackling crime and putting offenders before the court.

"You are our eyes and ears on the ground and these types of results show what a great team we can be."

Simpson admitted three counts of theft from motor vehicles, two counts of possession of a Class A drug and breaching a community order handed to him for three counts of shoplifting.

Anyone who notices any suspicious behaviour can also contact police on 101 or report it online at the Northumbria Police website.

If a crime is in action, or if a person or property is at risk, then the public are always encouraged to dial 999.