Bungling burglar jailed

A bungling burglar who parked up a stolen Mercedes close to his home has been jailed.

Niall Pattinson crawled through a dog flap at his victim’s address before snatching keys to their Mercedes A Class and driving off in January.

The 20-year-old then broke into a second address, stealing tools and batteries before returning home.

Officers located the stolen car close to Pattinson’s address and decided to pay him a visit.

On seeing officers, Pattinson fled before being tracked down and arrested.

A search of his house uncovered his burglary equipment, including his trainers, hidden in the back of his couch.

Forensic officers later matched his shoe prints to marks left at both crime scenes.

Pattinson, of Cuthbert Avenue, Sherburn, was subsequently charged with two burglaries and a theft of motor vehicle.

He was due to go to trial but later changed his plea to guilty and was sentenced to a total of 36 months in prison at Teesside Crown Court on Monday, April 14.

PC Samuel Ross of Durham Crime Team said: “Pattinson is a prolific burglar who continues to target the community he lives in.

“Our officers have continued to put him back in front of the courts and we are pleased to see his is back behind bars again which will hopefully give his victims some peace of mind.”

Being burgled is a traumatic experience so please help us to help you 👇
🔒Ensure your doors and windows are locked and secured even if you’re only going out for a few minutes
🔒Consider installing 3* non-snap locks
🔒Make sure that any valuables are out of sight
🔒Keep handbags away from the letterbox or cat flap and hide all keys including car keys, as a thief could hook keys or valuables through even a small opening
🔒Never leave car documents or ID in obvious places such as kitchens or hallways
🔒In the evening, shut the curtains and leave lights on
🔒If you’re out all day, then it’s advisable to use a timer device to automatically turn lights and a radio on at night
🔒Set your burglar alarm
🔒Make sure the side gate is locked
🔒Lock your shed or garage
🔒Lock your bike inside a secure shed or garage, to a robust fitting bolted to the ground or wall, like a ground anchor

If you see somebody acting suspiciously report it to the police immediately by calling 101 or, in an emergency, call 999.