Thief jailed for stealing festive trees
A thief who brought misery to families across Sunderland will spend the festive period behind bars.
Aaron Richardson, 31, has been jailed for 24 weeks after admitting theft from a vehicle, fraud by false representation and stealing two Christmas trees from Asda in Leech mere.
The 31-year-old received an eight-week suspended sentence on November 16 after he was convicted of breaking into a Porsche Boxster and searching for valuables.
Within a matter of hours of leaving South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, Richardson had reoffended and smashed his way into a Honda, stealing cash and a bank card, Northumbria Police say.
He then entered a Premier Storesshop in Hen don and attempted to use the stolen bank card, but the transaction was declined.
Richardson, of Ridley Terrace, Hendon, appeared before magistrates in South Tyneside on December 4 and pleaded guilty to four charges.
Sergeant Craig Sherriff, of Northumbria Police, said: “Aaron Richardson has been a drain on our resources and his widespread offending has caused a lot of pain and anguish to families across Wearside.
“This Christmas, he will be playing the role of Scrooge and can look forward to spending the festive period in a jail cell.
“This type of offending undermines the fabric of our communities and can have a corrosive effect on our communities.
"The public is fed up of Richardson’s offending and now I’m delighted that he has been taken off our streets.”
Sergeant Craig Sherriff went on to offer advice to families across Sunderland in the countdown to Christmas when opportunistic thieves may target the area.
He said: “I would ask the public, especially over the next few weeks, to be vigilant and take a few extra steps to help deter thieves and reduce the risk of them becoming a victim of crime.
“Please lock your house and car doors and ensure any valuables are kept out of sight.
"If you’ve bought Christmas presents, make sure they’re placed in the boot and not left on show on the back seat.
“You will see officers out on patrol, but you remain our eyes and ears – if you see anything suspicious, please report it.”