Sunderland criminal chased down by victim after scaling 6ft gate in attempt to steal Range Rover

A thief caught trying to break into a Range Rover just before Christmas is starting 2020 behind bars.
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Sunderland man Alan Dunlop scaled a 6ft electric gate to gain entry to a gated community off the city’s Queen Alexandra Road, where he tried to get into the vehicle.

He was spotted by its owner after they saw the security light come on at their property.

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The owner then gave chase to Dunlop and, after catching up with him, contacted Northumbria Police.

Alan Dunlop has been jailed for 28 weeks.Alan Dunlop has been jailed for 28 weeks.
Alan Dunlop has been jailed for 28 weeks.

The 33-year-old, of Argyle Square, Sunderland, appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on New Year’s Day and was convicted of attempted theft from a motor vehicle and breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

He was jailed for 28 weeks.

Detective Constable Michael Wilson, of Northumbria Police, said: “Alan Dunlop has been a drain on police resources for some time due to his cynical crime spree.

“Last year, he served jail-time after committing a string of car-related offences and was also warned that he would face further punishment if he failed to comply with strict conditions set out in his CBO.

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“Clearly, Dunlop has not heeded that warning and he now starts 2020 back behind bars, which will hopefully give him time to reflect on his selfish and unacceptable behaviour.

“CBOs are not optional and require offenders to adhere to specific conditions – or face being brought back into the dock and handed more severe sentences, as evident in Dunlop’s case.

“I would like to thank the communities we serve for their ongoing support and reassure residents that we are committed to continue taking offenders such as this off our streets.”

Dunlop, who told officers he had taken a short cut on his walk home when the attempted theft took place, was originally handed the two-year CBO in June 2018 after being convicted of three counts of motor vehicle interference.

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He is forbidden from entering Roker, Seaburn, East Boldon, West Boldon, Castletown, Cleadon, Southwick and Fulwell and banned from touching or entering any unattended vehicle without permission from the owner.