Elswick career crook stole £1,200 of goods after targeting 23 cars in three weeks

A career criminal stole £1,200-worth of belongings after targeting 23 vehicles in just three weeks.

Andrew Jobes, who has been offending for more than 20 years, was captured on camera trying the doors of cars and vans parked in streets in Newcastle. The 47-year-old then helped himself to sunglasses, watches and even a packet of biscuits from the six vehicles whose doors were unlocked, a court was told.

But it didn't take police long to identify the crook after his offending spree was caught on CCTV and he was tracked down and arrested. Jobes, formerly of Walker but now living of George's Road, in Elswick, appeared before magistrates in Newcastle to plead guilty to six counts of theft from a vehicle and 17 of vehicle interference.

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The case was committed to Newcastle Crown Court, where Jobes appeared last week for sentence. Giving him a 24-month community order and a £25 fine, Mr Recorder Ward said: "In September 2022, you approached 23 vehicles with a view to steal.

"Six were unlocked and you stole various items, worth £1,200. A common theme is that you have invaded the personal space of your victims."

The court heard that Jobes had two similar offences from April this year before embarking on his latest spree in September, where he stole sunglasses, watches and a packet of biscuits. It was, however, "unsophisticated and opportunistic" offending, prosecutors said.

Vic Laffey, defending, said Jobes had been off heroin for two years but was not in stable accommodation at the time. He added: "He was hearing voices and he was in a bad place. He's much more stable, now."

As previously reported by Chroniclelive, Jobes was jailed in 1998 for causing death by dangerous driving and a court told him he would be permanently disqualified from holding a licence. However, he has since flouted that order on four occasions after being caught behind the wheel.

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