Peter Hughes Atkinson, 40, and Jack Bush, 32, had a lucky streak – until their Jarrow crime spree came crashing down in just hours.
Three Burglaries, One Stolen Car – All in One Night
In the early hours of June 25, trouble stirred in Jarrow. At 1.30am, a Pine Street resident found their front bedroom ransacked. Missing were a mobile phone, bank card, and a wooden drawer packed with jewellery and watches.
Less than two hours later, intruders broke into a Gloucester Way home. Confronted by the occupants, one suspect fled on foot, but not before stealing jewellery of sentimental value.
Before dawn, the pair hit a third target on The Crescent. They swiped car keys and drove off in a Nissan Juke, also grabbing high-end electronics.
Swift Police Chase Ends the Spree
Northumbria Police and Durham Constabulary moved fast. Just hours after the first break-in, officers spotted two men walking dangerously on the A19 hard shoulder. Nearby, they found the crashed and written-off stolen Nissan Juke.
Shortly after, Atkinson and Bush were caught rifling through bags of stolen loot down a nearby path — some even worn on their person.
Court Drama: Guilty Pleas and Heavy Sentences
Both men were charged with three counts of burglary and joint theft of a motor vehicle. Atkinson, from Taylor Grove, Durham, received two years and three months. Bush, from Lamb Drive, Sheffield, was handed five years and four months, including an extra Sheffield burglary charge.
They were remanded in custody following their court appearance and later pleaded guilty at Newcastle Crown Court on November 18.
Police Praise Community and Call for Vigilance
Detective Constable Simon Cammack said, “This was a fantastic cross-border response. Officers acted swiftly to lock up Atkinson and Bush within hours of the first report.
“Burglary is a deeply invasive crime. We want to send a clear message that offenders in our region will face tough justice.”
“Thanks to the team’s efforts, much of the stolen property – including sentimental jewellery – was recovered before it could be sold or passed on.”
“We urge anyone witnessing suspicious activity to report it immediately. Together, we can keep the region safe.”
“We also call on businesses and the public to secure properties and hide valuables to reduce burglary risks.”
“Our fight against burglars and thieves is relentless. We’ll continue working with the community and partners to catch and convict offenders.”
