A brazen Sunderland burglar gave himself away just hours after stealing designer clothes, a computer, booze and a handbag full of bank cards from a Washington home - by using the bank cards just hours later.
Liam Miles, 32, has now been jailed for two years and five months. The burglary took place on January 15 this year at a home in Redshank Close, Ayton. Northumbria Police said the occupants reported how they awoke at 7.30am that day to find their patio door ajar and a string of valuables missing.
Miles used the stolen cards just hours later, and police found him hiding in the "base of a bed" the same day. He later pleaded guilty to burglary and fraud and was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday, March 8.
Police said a "string of fraudulent transactions" appeared on bank accounts associated with the stolen debit and credit cards, and then, armed with CCTV of Miles paying for items at a newsagent, police officers arrested him just hours later.
Miles, of no fixed abode, was found hiding in the base of a bed - and the majority of the stolen property was recovered from the address where he was found.
Detective Constable Wendy Gribben, who led the investigation said: "Miles is a prolific burglar and I’m pleased to see that he has been jailed so he can no longer cause any harm in the community. Miles was utterly shameless to raid a family’s home while they slept upstairs – all for his own gain.
"Burglary is an intrusive crime and nobody should be made to feel unsafe in their own home. While thankfully we were able to recover a lot of the stolen property for the victims involved, this has clearly had a lasting impact on them.
"I hope this result brings them some comfort and closure knowing that Miles is now behind bars and has plenty of time to reflect on his appalling actions."
The officer added that the force wanted to encourage the public and businesses helped reduce the impact of burglary by "ensuring doors, windows and properties are kept secure and valuables out of view".
Members of the public are also asked to report suspicious behaviour in their area using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the Northumbria Police website. In an emergency, or where a crime is taking place, always dial 999.:
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