Two thieves have been ordered to pay thousands of pounds in compensation after breaking into a Mercedes-Benz garage in Sunderland.
Shaun Ellwood, 48, and Daniel Fletcher, 28, were both convicted after burgling the Wessington Way garage twice in one week.
The first time on April 12 they climbed into the body-shop compound before stealing items including a drill and spray paint guns.
And six days later they returned and stole £3,000 worth of alloy wheels and tyres.
But they were caught and pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on April 22 before they were sentenced on May 18.
Ellwood, of Ravenswood Square, Sunderland, was jailed for 12 months and ordered to pay £2,500 in compensation to Mercedes-Benz.
Fletcher, of Joyce Terrace, Sunderland, received an eight-month suspended prison sentence and was also ordered to pay £2,500 to the garage. He was also handed a 12-week curfew.
Detective chief inspector Michelle Robson, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was a swift and thorough investigation carried out by an experienced team of detectives, and I’m pleased that these two thieves have now been brought to justice.
“We know that the last few months have been a difficult time for some business owners, some of whom have had to close their premises due to the Covid-19 restrictions.
“During this period, we have seen a small number of cases where business premises that have been left isolated have been targeted by opportunistic criminals looking to capitalise.
“My message to all business owners is one of reassurance. Officers continue to patrol industrial parks and identified commercial areas to keep your premises safe, and ensure anybody who does break the law has their day in court.
“This case reinforces our commitment to disrupting, detecting and preventing this type of criminality. We have a dedicated burglary team who review every break-in across Wearside and South Tyneside, and they will continue to pursue perpetrators and bring offenders to justice.”
To report a crime to Northumbria Police, go to the 'Report an Incident’ page on the force's website or call 101.
