Bungling burglar jailed after targeting businesses

A bungling burglar who targeted businesses on the coast has been jailed.

Rhys Smith broke into four Seaham businesses at an industrial estate in one night in late January, stealing everything from a motorbike to dog toys.

A few days later he swiped cigarettes and scratch cards overnight from a Morrisons and attempted to empty fruit machines from a casino in Peterlee. Smith only managed to make off with 40p but caused £8,000 in damage to the machines he raided.

Crime scene investigators recovered shoe prints from the Seaham business units and after analysing them, found a strong match to Smith’s Nike trainers which he was also seen wearing in CCTV from Morrisons.

An investigation was launched and the 24-year-old was arrested on suspicion of the burglaries.

Despite making ‘no comment’ to questions in interview, officers were able to build a case from the evidence which included messages from a mobile phone which showed him offering the stolen cigarettes for a ‘fiver’, accompanied with a video of the haul.

Smith was subsequently charged with four burglaries and a theft from motorvehicle and put before the courts.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 16 months in prison at Teesside Crown Court last Thursday (July 3).

Detective Inspector Darren Wild, of Peterlee CID, said: “Smith is a prolific burglar but thankfully not the sharpest tool in the box and officers were able to build a strong case for the Crown Prosecution Service based on the evidence.

“We are glad to see he has been put behind bars and hope this will give some relief to business owners who try to make an honest living.”