Thief jailed after he was caught hiding in some bushes

A thief who was caught hiding in some bushes after targeting a number of businesses in the Greater Eston area over the space of a month has been jailed.

Mason Bailey of Birchington Avenue, Middlesbrough, stole items including confectionery and chicken from Iceland in Eston on three separate occasions as well as stealing goods from the Spar Shop on Eston High Street.

The 24-year-old also targeted Greggs in South Bank on three separate occasions and more recently gained entry into Subway off Trunk Road in Eston in the early hours of Friday 24^th November.

Following the burglary at Subway, officers from Cleveland Police’s Dog Unit and Response Team along with the police drone were called into action to apprehend Bailey.

CCTV spotted him making off near the Herlingshaw Centre at around 1am and Police Dog Kuro and handler PC Whitehouse attended the scene to search for Bailey.

A heat source was detected within a wooded area but officers could not confirm whether it was the suspect in question.

PD Kuro went into the area to carry out a further search, and Bailey was located hiding in bushes. Officers also recovered stolen items.

Bailey was arrested and charged with four counts of burglary and four counts of theft from a shop and he was remanded in custody until his court appearance on Saturday 25^th November.

He pleaded guilty to all eight offences and he was handed an eight-month prison sentence.

Sergeant Chris Turner said: “Bailey repeatedly targeted shops across Greater Eston and I'm pleased to see that he has been given a custodial sentence.

“We are determined to bring those committing retail crime to justice and we hope this sends out a strong message to those committing such crime that there are consequences to their actions and they could be sent to prison.”