South Tyneside burglars jailed for a total of seven years

The burglars all committed separate offences in the area and have all, in recent weeks, been given prison sentences.

Steven Wastell, 34, of no fixed address, was jailed for two years and five months, on June 1, following a burglary at Wolsey Court in South Shields in December last year.Steven Bourke, 33, of Bowman Place, was convicted of a burglary in John Williamson Stree, South Shields, in January. He was sentenced to two years and five months' imprisonment, on June 13. Brian Henry Old, 43, of Baring Street, was jailed for two years and four months, on July 5, after a burglary at Trajan Avenue in South Shields in January.

Southern Area Command Chief Inspector Jerry Pearson said: "We cannot underestimate the devastating impact being broken into has on victims, particularly when it is their home that has been targeted and it is our priority to make sure these burglars are caught and jailed. "Our work to pursue burglars is relentless and does not stop, day in day out we actively target those we suspect of being responsible for causing harm to our communities and these sentences should send a warning to burglars that we do know how you are, we will catch you and we will make sure you are sent to jail." Operation Impact continues to be carried out across Sunderland and South Tyneside aimed at reducing the number of burglaries across both boroughs.

"The activity is part of the area command's day to day business and as well as pursuing offenders includes helping to prevent further burglaries by making sure local residents have crime prevention advice. Ch Insp Pearson added: "We can't reiterate enough how important it is for people to take a few moments to consider the security of their homes.

"Simply locking doors and making sure windows are not left open when the property is empty can go a long way in helping to prevent the property from being targeted.

"Residents can use other more sophisticated methods - such as burglar alarms and security lighting - but these will not be particularly effective if the front door is left unlocked." For prevention advice visit the Northumbria Police website on www.northumbria.police.uk