Investigation under way after bike-riding thief targets eight Hebburn cars in one night

The thief, who targeted eight cars in a single night, is the subject of an ongoing police investigation – and now officers have released CCTV in a bid to trace him.

The spate of incidents happened in Hebburn overnight on May 1 as an offender repeatedly tried car doors on vehicles parked on a number of streets.

The offender is believed to have used a device to gain entry to some of the vehicles and managed to steal £1,200 worth of power tools, a sat nav, two The North Face coats and a tin of paint.

The thefts were each committed between 10 pm on April 30 and 3 am on May 1.

Northumbria Police have said that the streets targetted include Saint Close, Lindisfarne Road, College Road, Ebba Point and Mimosa Drive, with the thief cycling from street to street.

CCTV footage released today shows a suspect trying the doors of various cars and police are now appealing for anybody with information to come forward and assist the investigation.

PC Amanda Cummings, of Northumbria Police, said: “We were quickly made aware of this crime spate which all happened in the early hours of the morning in Hebburn.

“Among the streets targeted were Saint Close, Lindisfarne Road, College Road, Ebba Point and Mimosa Drive – with this offender cycling street to street and randomly targeting vehicles he believed may have valuables inside.

“Ever since the report, we have been carrying out a range of enquiries and are determined to ensure the person responsible is brought to justice.

“The neighbourhood team have increased patrols across the area and we are encouraging anybody who sees any suspicious behaviour in their community to report it to us.

“If you were a victim of theft on that night and are yet to report it, or believe you may know the person responsible, please get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information about the spate is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log 164 010621. Alternatively you can email [email protected].

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