Burglar jailed after being found hiding in a bush in Ponteland

Liam Curry was first arrested following three reports of burglary in the space of 24 hours in the Ponteland area of Northumberland in January last year.

The 28-year-old was found by officers hiding in foliage on Runnymede Road, and was jailed at Newcastle Crown Court in May of the same year after pleading guilty to two counts of burglary and one count of attempted burglary.

However, Curry did not change his choice of hiding spot when officers were called to an address on Fleetwood Way in the Felling area of Gateshead at around 5am on April 3.

This time around, it was PD Claude who sniffed out Curry, who had again attempted to evade detection by hiding in a bush, this time on nearby Sunderland Road.

Curry, of Sunderland Road, Gateshead, pleaded guilty to the latest burglary offence at Newcastle Crown Court and on Thursday was sentenced to 876 days in prison.

Detective Sergeant Stuart Taylor, of Northumbria Police, said: “Curry clearly did not learn his lesson, and this was fantastic work from our frontline officers to secure an arrest within 30 minutes of the report being made.

“Victims of burglaries are often left feeling unsafe in their own homes, and I am confident this sentence for a repeat offender will be welcomed by our communities.”

Det Sgt Taylor added: “We would ask that residents and those operating businesses in our areas continue to take a few extra steps to help guard them from falling victim to this type of criminality.

“Burglars and thieves are typically opportunistic, and will often go from street to street in their efforts to find an unlocked door or window.

“By taking the time to keep your valuables out of sight and your property secure, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime.”

Anyone who has seen something suspicious in their area is asked to contact us using the ‘Report’ tool of the Northumbria Police website, or by calling 101.

In an emergency or if a crime is taking place, always call 999.