Jarrow Burglar Duo Caught & Caged Hours After Crime Spree
Peter Hughes Atkinson, 40, and Jack Bush, 32, thought they could make a quick getaway after hitting three homes in Jarrow overnight. But their luck ran out fast. Within hours, Northumbria Police and Durham Constabulary had the pair in cuffs, charged, and ready for a jail sentence.
Crime Spree Rocks Jarrow Homes
- At 1:30am on June 25, a Pine Street resident discovered their bedroom ransacked and valuables stolen, including a mobile phone, bank card, jewellery, and watches.
- Shortly after 3am, burglars broke into a Gloucester Way property. When confronted, one suspect fled, but jewellery of sentimental value was taken.
- Before 6am, thieves broke into a house on The Crescent, swiped car keys and drove off in a Nissan Juke, also grabbing high-value electronics.
Thieves Crashed Car and Got Nabbed
Police acted fast. Just hours after the first call, officers on joint patrol caught two men walking along the A19 hard shoulder and found the abandoned Nissan Juke wrecked nearby. Atkinson and Bush were rounding through stolen bags along a side path — some even wearing stolen goods.
Both men were arrested on multiple counts of burglary and joint theft of a motor vehicle. They appeared at court and were remanded in custody while awaiting sentencing.
Jail Time for Jarrow Jobbers
On November 18, Newcastle Crown Court handed down hefty sentences. Atkinson from Durham got two years and three months for three burglaries and the car theft. Bush from Sheffield was locked up for five years and four months, also facing an extra burglary charge linked to Sheffield.
Detective Constable Simon Cammack praised the cross-border police teamwork: “This fantastic response saw Atkinson and Bush caught within hours of the first report. Burglary is invasive and we send a clear message — we will act swiftly and bring offenders to justice.”
“Thanks to the joint effort, not only were the crooks caught, but much of the stolen property, including sentimental jewellery, was recovered before it could be sold on.”
“We urge the public to report anything suspicious and keep your homes secure. Together, we’ll keep our communities safe from thieves.”
