£5k bill for pair who twice raided garage
into the body shop compound before making off with various items including a drill and spray paint guns.
Six days later, at about 6pm on April 18, they returned and stole £3,000 worth of alloy wheels and tyres.
Thepairbothadmittedtwo counts of burglary when they appeared before magistrates in South Tyneside on April 22.
They returned to the same court on Monday, May 18, for sentencing where Ellwood, of Ravenswood Square, Sunderland, was jailed for 12 months andorderedtopay£2,500compensation to Mercedes-Benz.
His partner-in crime, Fletcher, of Joyce Terrace, Sunderland,receivedaneightmonth
sentence suspended for 18 months. He was also orderedtopay£2,500compensationtothegarageandhandeda 12-week curfew.
Detective Chief Inspector Michelle Robson, of Northumbria Police, welcomed the conviction.
She commented: “This was a swift and thorough investigation carried out by an experienced team of detectives, and I’m pleased that these two thieveshavenowbeenbrought to justice.
“We know that the last few months have been a difficult time for some business owners, some of whom have had to close their premises due to the Covid-19 restrictions.
“During this period, we have seen a small number of cases where business premises that have been left isolated have been targeted by opportunistic criminals looking to capitalise.
“Mymessagetoallbusiness owners is one of reassurance. Officers continue to patrol industrial parks and identified commercialareastokeepyour premisessafe,andensureanybody who does break the law has their day in court.
“We have a dedicated burglary team who review every break-in across Wearside and South Tyneside, and they will continue to pursue perpetratorsandbringoffenderstojustice.”