A prolific thief who stole a moped during a two-month crime spree in Gateshead has been convicted.
Marc Turner, 37, targeted a number of vehicles in the Dunston area during the summer, stealing from cars parked around the area.
It culminated in Turner, of Eslington Court, Teams, stealing a moped from a car park on Newcastle Quayside.
But Turner was soon recognised on CCTV collected as part of the police investigation.
He was interviewed and eventually pleaded guilty to two counts of theft from a motor vehicle, two counts of vehicle interference and one count of taking a motor vehicle without consent.
Turner, of Eslington Court, Teams, was convicted at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Sergeant Warren Sturrock, of the Gateshead West Neighbourhood Policing Team , said the conviction should reassure residents in Dunston.
He said: “When this offending was taking place it did cause a lot of concern in Dunston and that was shared widely on social media.
“We were speaking to residents, elected councillors and local businesses to reassure them that we were doing everything we can to protect people’s property.
“This court result shows that we are true to our word and we will continue to do everything we can to put opportunistic thieves before the courts.
“He has managed to evade being put behind bars but the judge has ordered him to carry out community service and hopefully this is a wakeup call for him.
“We have a fantastic relationship with our local community and they played an important role in putting Turner before the courts.
“This case shows the importance of keeping your cars locked and if the public continue to work together with police then our communities will be a safer place to live."
