Two prolific shoplifters who terrorised Gateshead businesses have been jailed.
Billy Joab, 32, and Tony Catherall, 38, were both sentenced to seven months in prison at South Tyneside Magistrates Court after a string of thefts.
Joab, of Cyprus Crescent, Dunston, admitted six shoplifting offences, the majority of which were connected to the Co-op in Whickham, as well as one count of handling stolen goods and one count of fraud.
Catherall, of Elshott Court, West Denton, pleaded guilty to 28 counts of shoplifting after reports of a spate of incidents at Winlaton, Blaydon and Crawcrook.
Neighbourhood sergeant Warren Sturrock, of Northumbria Police’s Gateshead West Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "These two men are well known offenders who have been committing crime across Gateshead for a number of months.
“We have worked hard to gather the evidence needed to put them before the courts and I want to thank local businesses for their support.
“Neither of these thieves have any respect for their local community and they have caused fear and intimidation wherever they go.
“I welcome the custodial sentences they have received in court and hope it reassures the public that we will take action to take criminals off the street.”
