Police hunt serial thief after thefts from cars

Police are hunting a serial thief thought to be behind a spate of thefts in Penshaw and Shiney Row.

Members of the Coalfield Area Committee were told this week that officers are seeking a suspect following a ‘significant increase’ in the number of thefts from cars in the area.

According to a report prepared for the panel, there is a ‘particular focus on parkland where owners are leaving vehicles in secluded car parks to go for walks’ and are then targeted.

Police also believe the suspect has been using a black Range Rover during his crime spree.

Speaking at the meeting at the Hetton Centre, Inspector Nick Gjorven said: “I’m 99 per cent certain I know who it is and my officers are actively looking for him.”