'Brazen burglar' targeted 12 homes during morning crime spree

A burglar who tried to force his way into almost a dozen homes during a morning of targeting houses and vehicles.
By Fiona.Thompson
Published 11th Jul 2019, 10:38 BST
Updated 11th Jul 2019, 15:02 BST
A CCTV image released by Northumbria Police following its investigation into the offences committed by Daniel Bates.A CCTV image released by Northumbria Police following its investigation into the offences committed by Daniel Bates.
A CCTV image released by Northumbria Police following its investigation into the offences committed by Daniel Bates.

Daniel Bates prowled around the Rainton Meadows estate shortly before 8am on Wednesday, June 5.

The thief stole a red Carrera Vulcan mountain bike from a garage of a property on Syston Close, and also entered a house on Greenfield Way with the intention of burgling it.

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However, after he was disturbed by an occupant who was at home caring for a new-born baby, Bates fled – only to try the doors of a number of other houses and vehicles nearby.

The bike which was stolen and then recovered by Northumbria Police.The bike which was stolen and then recovered by Northumbria Police.
The bike which was stolen and then recovered by Northumbria Police.

Bates, of Morley Terrace, Fence Houses, was charged with two counts of burglary and nine counts of attempted burglary following his callous crime spree.

Now the 37-year-old has pleaded guilty to all 11 offences at Newcastle Crown Court.

The thief, branded a ‘brazen burglar’ by police, is due to be sentenced next month.

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Detective Constable Stuart Havery, of Northumbria Police, said: “Daniel Bates’ actions on the morning in question were totally unacceptable.

“He frightened a number of occupants in a quiet residential area as he went door-to-door looking for a quick win.

“He tried to break into a number of addresses and vehicles with the intention of getting his hands on anything he could.

“He forced his way into one property on Greenfield Way and terrified the occupant who was at home with her young child, and then made away with a red mountain bike which he stole from a garage of a nearby address.

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“However, as he rode away with the bike, he was spotted by a passing officer on patrol.

“Police were quickly made aware of Bates’ actions earlier that morning, and he was subsequently arrested.

“We make no apology for our zero-tolerance approach towards this kind of criminality.

“Burglary is such an intrusive crime and can have a lasting effect on victims and their families.

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“Bates is the latest criminal to be taken off our streets, and our dedicated Southern burglary team based at Southwick Police Station will continue to analyse every incident reported to us, actively hunt perpetrators and bring them to justice.”