Police find burglars hiding in Greggs' loft
Police found two raiders hiding in the loft of a Sunderland Greggs after they climbed through a hole in the ceiling in an attempt to evade officers.
Gavin Newton and Andrew Pickering were rumbled after trying to break into a safe inside the Sunderland bakery last month.
Police were called to the Pal lion store shortly after 11.30pm on October 25 and found substantial damage to the ceiling along with a discarded hammer and grinder.
After climbing through a hole in the ceiling to investigate further, cops heard the faint sound of males talking and soon discovered the raiders in the store’ s loft space.
Newton, 41, and Pickering, 45, were subsequently placed under arrest – and the latter proceeded to falsely give the details of a family member whilst being booked into custody.
Now they have both been convicted after admitting the burglary, while Pickering also pleaded guilty to a further charge of perverting the course of justice.
On Tuesday, Newton, of no fixed abode, was jailed for 16 months at Newcastle Crown Court.
Just 24 hours later, Pickering, of Marx Crescent, South Stanley, was sentenced to two years imprisonment at the same court.
Detective Chief Inspector Michelle Robson, of Northumbria Police, said: “Their efforts proved to be in vain, and after a member of the public heard the disturbance and contacted us, Newton and Pickering decided to hide in the store’s loft space in a desperate bid to avoid detection.
“Unfortunately for them, their hide-out turned out to be fairly obvious given roof tiles had fallen down onto the floor and officers could hear them chatting.
“Pickering even had the audacity to give false details when he attended custody, clearly knowing that the evidence against him was overwhelming.
“Thankfully these two criminals are now off our streets and I would like to thank all those who played their part in bringing them to justice."
She added: “We will continue to do all we can to bring burglars to justice and hope this outcome offers reassurance to businesses across the North East. It will not be tolerated and we will use everything in our power to ensure a swift prosecution.”