Burglar caught after leaving sock at crime scene

“Doesn’t everyone wear white socks?”

The answer from burglar Dean English when asked why his DNA was found on a sock he left at the scene of one of his crimes recently.

The 43-year-old was clocked on CCTV wearing two socks as make-shift gloves just before he raided the Fonebook Shop, in Peterlee, last November.

He left behind his crowbar and one of the socks in his haste to steal phones, vapes and accessories, leaving detectives a nice bit of DNA to match up.

Just days before, on Halloween, English also stole chocolate, steak and chicken from the Sainsbury’s store in Horden, ironically wearing the same clothes.

He was also linked to a burglary at the Horden Centennial Centre in January thanks to joint work between the Peterlee Neighbourhood Team and Peterlee Volume Crime Team.

English, of Peterlee, was arrested on Sunday (February 9) and charged with two counts of burglary, theft and failing to remain at an assessment following a drug’s test in custody.

He was put before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court yesterday (February 10) where he pleaded guilty to all offences and was sentenced to 12 months in prison as well as being ordered to pay £750 in compensation.

PC Ethan Anderson, of Peterlee Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Burglary hits businesses hard and not only affects the community but people’s livelihoods. It will not be tolerated.

“We hope this sentence gives some relief to businesses across the area and will continue to pursue anyone who tries to target those law-abiding residents who are trying to make an honest living.”