A serial thief who targeted sheds and cars across Sunderland has been jailed for 12 months.
Kevin Sandilands carried out a string of callous thefts in November and December last year.
Among the 33-year-old’s victims was a disabled mum who was left distressed by the raid, as Sandilands broke into her shed and stole her specially-adapted walking sticks, along with tools and frozen food.
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According to Northumbria Police, Sandilands’ crimes were laid bare after he inadvertently left a trail of his own blood on the door of another shed that he had smashed his way into.
The blood came back as a forensic match for Sandilands, and after an extensive search for him, he was placed under arrest on Wednesday, January 12.
In interview, he admitted he was responsible for the string of offences. He was subsequently charged – and was jailed for 12 months by magistrates in South Tyneside the following day.
Detective Constable Patrick Keenan, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a welcome outcome after Sandilands showed a total disregard for families in Southwick through his prolific offending.
“He did not give a second thought to his victims, as he broke into cars and garden sheds in an opportunistic ploy to get hold of any valuables that he could. One of his victims was a disabled woman – and he even had the audacity to steal her walking sticks. This is absolutely appalling.
“Unfortunately for him, he inadvertently cut himself during one of these break-ins and left a trail of blood at the scene. That allowed our excellent forensic team to carry out checks and prove beyond any doubt that he was responsible.
“The weight of evidence against Sandilands was overwhelming, and as a result of the thorough investigation carried out by officers, he had little choice but to admit a string of offences in court.
“I welcome the custodial term handed down to him, and to get an offender arrested, charged, convicted and jailed all within 24 hours is an excellent outcome. I would like to thank everyone involved, including the victims for their cooperation as well as all our criminal justice partners.”
Sandilands, of Chestnut Crescent, Marley Pots, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to four counts of burglary and two counts of theft from a motor vehicle when he appeared before magistrates in South Tyneside on Thursday, January 13.
He was subsequently jailed for 12 months.
