Prolific thief jailed

A prolific thief who carried out a string of offences in Spennymoor has been jailed.

Shane Mather was arrested earlier this month after breaking into cars.

The 44-year-old was charged with two counts of theft from motorvehicle, two counts of vehicle interference and fraud after he tried to use a bank card stolen from one of the cars.

Mather, of No Fixed Abode, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on September 12 and was jailed for three-and-a-half months.

PC Callum Riddell said: "Mather is a prolific offender who has no regard for other people's property and this criminality will not be tolerated in our community."

With criminals using darker nights to attempt thefts, officers are also reminding motorists about the importance of keeping vehicles secure and valuables out of sight.

• ensure no items are on display and remove valuables from your vehicle each night
• don't leave your keys in the ignition when you’re outside of the vehicle (especially during those frosty mornings)
• don’t leave your house and vehicle keys in the lock or on a side table in view of a window
• if you drive a keyless car, keep the fob in a Faraday bag to block the signal and prevent copying
• use a steering lock
• consider installing a security light and/or CCTV at your property

Please report any unusual behaviour to us via 101 or 999 in an emergency.