Burglars jailed for combined 35 years thanks to dedicated thief-hunter team operating in Sunderland and South Tyneside

Since April, reckless raiders in Sunderland and South Tyneside have been locked up for combined sentences of more than three-and-a-half decades thanks to the work of the Southern Burglary Team.

Led by Detective Sergeant Steve Wallace and based at Southwick Police Station, the dedicated team review every reported burglary across the neighbouring boroughs and are tasked with putting those responsible before the courts.

Northumbria Police has said it has been another productive period for the committed taskforce, who over the last six months have helped convict and sentence some of the region’s most frequent offenders.

The milestone follows crime figures published by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) this week showing an overall reduction in burglary crimes recorded across the force’s area.

Det Sgt Wallace said: “There are few more intrusive crimes than having somebody breaking into your home – your safe haven – and stealing some of your treasured possessions.

“This type of criminality can have not only a significant financial impact, but also make people feel frightened or anxious in their own home.”

Among those convicted over the last six months was callous criminal Steven Crombie, 41, who raided homes and vehicles during a offending spree in 2018.

In May this year, Crombie, of Hampstead Square, Sunderland, was jailed for seven years and two months after admitting conspiracy to commit burglary. His partner-in-crime, Brandon Meah, 20, of Rutland Street, Sunderland also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary and was sentenced to 22 months’ imprisonment.

Police also snared Wayne Robinson, 30, who caused widespread misery across Sunderland as he raided more than a dozen homes during a six-week frenzy.

Robinson, of Lambton Tower, Sunderland, stole sentimental jewellery and electrical items from his various victims, but inadvertently left a trail of clues behind at his crime scenes .

Police convicted the hapless burglar and he was jailed for five years earlier this month.