A serial criminal has been jailed for two years after a neighbour snared him trying to break in to a property in Gateshead.
Dale Unsworth, 28, attempted to break in to a house on Watson Street in the Teams last month.
The wannabe thief used a garden spade to smash a window in an attempt to get inside however he was unaware a member of the public had seen what he was up to.
The courageous member of the public then confronted, chased and detained the Gateshead man who was then quickly arrested after another neighbour called the police.
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He was taken in custody and soon charged.
As well as the spade, Unsworth was also found in possession of a screwdriver.
Unsworth, of Duke Walk in Gateshead appeared in Magistrates’ Court on October 1 and pleaded guilty to burglary and possessing an offensive weapon.
On October 29 he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court where he was jailed for two years and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £149.
Detective Constable Stuart Taylor from Northumbria Police’s Central Burglary team said: “Brazen Unsworth was about to smash his way in to someone else’s home and help himself thot her possessions when he was interrupted by a neighbour who knew exactly what he was up to.
“Thanks to these brave actions, and the help of witnesses, we put a strong prosecution case together which resulted in Unsworth being arrested, charged and convicted within 48 hours.
“I am pleased he admitted his actions and happy he is now behind bars where he can seriously think about the consequences of his actions.”
“We understand the serious and detrimental effect that burglaries can have on our communities and we will continue to tackle this type of criminality.
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