Opportunistic burglar jailed after being caught red-handed stealing from family home

A callous intruder is behind bars after he was caught stealing from a family home in Sunderland during a daylight burglary.
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Adam Cain has been jailed for more than three years after breaking into a home on Greystoke Avenue in Sunderland on the afternoon of June 21.

The intruder climbed through a window and pocketed various items including keys and a mobile phone – but was caught red-handed by the occupant who pulled up on the drive.

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After realising he had been seen, the 44-year-old frantically tried to escape through a locked door – at which point the victim rang police and alerted them to the break-in.

Adam Cain , of South Shields, targeted a house on Greystoke Avenue, Sunderland.Adam Cain , of South Shields, targeted a house on Greystoke Avenue, Sunderland.
Adam Cain , of South Shields, targeted a house on Greystoke Avenue, Sunderland.

Officers were on the scene within just four minutes and it was only a matter of time before fleet-footed cops located Cain nearby.

Police searched a black rucksack that was in Cain’s possession which contained a black and silver iPhone, a Bobba Fett keyring and various keys – all of which had been swiped from the address.

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Cain, of Stanhope Road, South Shields, pleaded guilty to the burglary when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on August 18 and was subsequently jailed for 40 months.

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Detective Chief Inspector Michelle Robson, of Northumbria Police, said: “Burglary is an absolutely appalling crime that can have a corrosive and long-lasting impact on the communities we serve.

“Adam Cain showed a total disregard for the law and his victim when he broke into a family home and helped himself to valuables inside. However, he did not expect the occupant to catch him in the act – and what followed was some fantastic police work between various teams.

“I would like to thank the victim who acted decisively by picking up the phone and passing over a detailed description of the suspect, and that swift action allowed our officers to arrive at the scene within just four minutes.

“We were then able to detain Cain nearby, in possession of various stolen items, and what followed was an excellent investigation to prove his guilt and ultimately bring a cynical burglar to justice.”

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Det Ch Insp Robson oversees the work of a dedicated team of burglar hunters based at Southwick Police Station that is tasked with reviewing every break-in across Sunderland and South Tyneside.

The team of detectives work closely with the Force’s neighbourhood teams and the community to pursue offenders, identify hotspot areas and put preventative measures in place.

She added: “Quite often we find that opportunistic thieves go from street to street hoping to find an open door or window. If they don’t find one, they will simply move on to the next area.

“With that in mind, I would like to remind members of the public to make sure their doors and windows are locked, and any valuables placed out of sight.”

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If you are a victim of crime, or see anybody acting suspiciously, call 101 or contact us via our website and report it. In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always ring 999.

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