Three burglars are behind bars after targeting a farm in Daddry Shield, near Stanhope, last week.
The trio were spotted making off on the farmer’s quad bike by a resident who called in the suspicious activity and followed the vehicle, giving Durham Constabulary officers updates as they blue-lighted to the scene.
Jackson Lee Bainbridge, 20, Connor Dodds and Liam Robson, both 21, sped through Westgate and Stanhope before being seen abandoning the quad bike and jumping over a wall.
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They were arrested after trying to hide in some bushes and under a van during the 4am incident.
All three appeared at court last Friday where Dodds, of Argent Street, Peterlee and Bainbridge pleaded guilty to burglary. Robson, of no fixed abode, initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea to guilty on Monday.
All three were sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, with Bainbridge, of Kirkstone Avenue, Peterlee, receiving an additional six weeks for breaching a previous suspended sentence.
The trio were also ordered to pay court costs.
The quad bike has since been returned to the farmer.
Detective Sergeant Sarah Hindmarsh, of the South Volume Crime Team, said: “Thanks to the speedy report from the member of the public and the use of the rural WhatsApp group, officers were able to make sure these prolific offenders were caught and taken off the streets.
“These close links with our rural communities are vital and we will continue to work with residents to keep them safe.”
