Detectives have smashed a gang of car ringers.
Five of the six gang from South Tyneside, are now collectively facing four-and-a-half years jail and more than two-years in community punishments.
Detectives at Southwick in Sunderland, launched the operation in 2003 to crack the racket.
One man was jailed for a year for deception. Paul Alexander, 26, of Fox Avenue, South Shields, two years for deception.
Shaun Bell, 24, of Fellside, 18-month community rehabilitation order. Christopher Byrne, 22, of Aldbrough Street, South Shields, 12-month community rehabilitation order. Karl Owens, 27, of Ebchester Street, South Shields, 80-hour community punishment order. Jonathon Paylor, 27, of Billingham, six months for handling.
