A MAN has been jailed for 20 months for a number of offences, including burglary and attempted burglary, which took place across Darlington in May and June this year.

During one burglary, Simon McPhee tried to break into a shed while the homeowners were away on holiday, but was unsuccessful. He also tried to damage a CCTV camera before making off.

He then returned to the same property four days later, smashed his way into the shed and stole a lawnmower. He then threw a rock through a rear window at the property and tried to get in, but ran away when the alarm sounded.

The 33-year-old was caught after members of the public saw him acting suspiciously in his vehicle and alerted police.

Durham Police connected McPhee to a number of offences and he was charged with three attempted burglaries, two burglaries, three theft from motor vehicles and a theft.

He pleaded guilty to the offences when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court.

Detective Sergeant Grace Holohan, from Darlington Priority Crime Team, said: “I want to thank members of the public who alerted police to McPhee’s whereabouts, which led to a successful prosecution at court.”