Crime Spree Busted: Jarrow Burglars Nabbed Hours After Raid
Peter Hughes Atkinson, 40, and Jack Bush, 32, thought they could steal from three Jarrow homes and vanish. But their luck ran out fast. Within hours of their midnight crime spree on June 25, both were arrested and slammed with serious charges.
Three Homes Targeted in Overnight Break-Ins
The drama began around 1.30am when a Pine Street resident found their bedroom trashed. Valuables swiped included a mobile phone, bank card, and a wooden drawer packed with jewellery and watches.
Just after 3am, intruders hit a Gloucester Way home. When the occupants confronted one suspect, he fled on foot, taking jewellery treasured for sentimental reasons.
Then, before dawn at 6am, a thief broke into a property on The Crescent, nabbed car keys, and sped off in a Nissan Juke parked outside. High-value electronics also went missing.
Swift Police Action Leads to Arrests
Northumbria Police and Durham Constabulary detectives launched an immediate hunt. Their quick teamwork paid off.
- Officers spotted two men walking dangerously on the A19 hard shoulder, near where the stolen Nissan Juke was found crashed and written off.
- Shortly after, Atkinson and Bush were caught rifling through stolen bags in a nearby alley.
The pair were hauled into custody and charged with three burglaries and joint motor vehicle theft. They were remanded in custody pending trial.
Sentenced to More Than Seven Years Behind Bars
At their Newcastle Crown Court hearing on November 18, both men pleaded guilty and faced justice.
- Peter Hughes Atkinson, from Durham, got 2 years and 3 months for three burglaries and one vehicle theft.
- Jack Bush, of Sheffield, was jailed for 5 years and 4 months for the same charges plus an extra burglary in Sheffield.
Police Praise Fast Work and Urge Vigilance
“This was a fantastic response with officers working across borders and acting swiftly on the concerns of the community to lock up Atkinson and Bush within hours of the first report,” said Detective Constable Simon Cammack.
“Burglary is an invasive crime, and we want to send a message that robust action and effective justice will follow any offenders detected in our region.”
“After crashing the stolen car, the pair were caught with their haul. Some were even found wearing stolen items. Thanks to our efforts, much of the stolen goods were recovered, including jewellery of sentimental value.”
“We urge the public to report suspicious activity immediately and remind businesses and homeowners to secure doors, windows, and hide valuables.”
Police promise to continue working closely with the community to catch burglars and keep the region safe.
