Peter Hughes Atkinson, 40, and Jack Bush, 32, attempted to steal from three homes in Jarrow but were caught within hours of their midnight crime spree on June 25. Both men faced serious charges following their rapid arrest.
The break-ins began around 1.30am when a resident on Pine Street discovered their bedroom had been ransacked. Stolen items included a mobile phone, bank card, and a drawer filled with jewellery and watches.
Shortly after 3am, the burglars targeted a home on Gloucester Way. When one occupant confronted a suspect, he fled on foot, taking jewellery of sentimental value.
Before dawn at 6am, a thief broke into a property on The Crescent, stole car keys, and drove off in a Nissan Juke parked outside. High-value electronics were also taken during this incident.
Northumbria Police and Durham Constabulary detectives quickly launched a joint investigation. Officers soon found two men walking dangerously on the A19 hard shoulder near the location where the stolen Nissan Juke had crashed and was written off.
Soon after, Atkinson and Bush were caught searching through stolen bags in a nearby alley. They were arrested and charged with three burglaries and joint motor vehicle theft, then remanded in custody pending trial.
At Newcastle Crown Court on November 18, both men pleaded guilty. Peter Hughes Atkinson, from Durham, received a sentence of 2 years and 3 months for three burglaries and one vehicle theft. Jack Bush, of Sheffield, was sentenced to 5 years and 4 months for the same charges plus an additional burglary in Sheffield.
Detective Constable Simon Cammack praised the swift police response, stating, “This was a fantastic response with officers working across borders and acting swiftly on the concerns of the community to lock up Atkinson and Bush within hours of the first report.”
He added, “Burglary is an invasive crime, and we want to send a message that robust action and effective justice will follow any offenders detected in our region.”
“After crashing the stolen car, the pair were caught with their haul. Some were even found wearing stolen items. Thanks to our efforts, much of the stolen goods were recovered, including jewellery of sentimental value.”
Police urged the public to report suspicious activity immediately and reminded businesses and homeowners to secure doors, windows, and hide valuables.
Authorities pledged to continue working closely with the community to catch burglars and maintain safety in the region.
Originally published by UKNIP.
