A GANG of smash and grab raiders who plagued a community were described as “professional and determined” by a judge as he jailed members for a total of 18 years.

Five of the Teesside crooks – some who joked in the dock – were locked up after a hearing at Teesside Crown Court today.

The organised gang attacked ten businesses by knocking holes in walls and ripping off roof tiles at night, wreaking damage which cost thousands of pounds to repair.

Judge Stephen Ashurst said such raids threatened the survival of small, family-run shops, and left staff feeling vulnerable and bosses facing rocketing insurance premiums.

He said: “Some may begin to wonder what is the point of trying to provide a service to decent members of the public when thieves like you are out and about attacking their businesses?”

As he jailed five conspirators – who had 209 offences between them on their criminal records – the judge said: “These were targeted profession burglars. This was gang-related crime. Premises were selected, including those with safes. Tools and equipment were sourced to take with you. People were on hand to transport the safes.

“There was evidence of considerable determination. The offences are determined, professional burglaries.”

Burglars broke holes in the wall of the Whale Hill post office in Eston to steal a safe containing £5,000 without triggering the alarm, the court heard.

Three of the raiders were arrested as they returned from buying a crowbar at B&Q after failing to crack the safe with a grinder in a garden shed.

The shop owners were unable to afford the cost of the break-in and had to close down the business.

The gang also attacked a dental practice, a pawnbrokers, an electrical store, a glazing firm, and four hairdressing salons in burglaries between January and June last year.

Grangetown men Paul Martin, 35, of Eglington Road; Jack Millington, of Sandringham Road; Jack Williams, 24, of Birchington Avenue; and Shaun Slater, 28, of St Patrick’s Close; along with Andrew Smith; and Arron Stubley, 27, of Grosmont Road, Whale Hill, all admitted conspiracy to burgle.

Millington also admitted two robberies, one attempted robbery, two thefts and two charges of possessing an offensive weapon.

His lawyer, Garry Wood, told the court that he carried the blade for protection after being slashed in the face and warned his life was in danger, and said the 24-year-old had spent virtually all his adult life behind bars.

Judge Ashurst jailed him for five years and eight months; Williams for five years; Stubley for three years and four months; Slater for two years and three months; and Martin for 21 months.

Sentencing of Smith, 48, of Collin Avenue, Middlesbrough, was adjourned until next Friday out of compassion for a family trauma.

Wayne Floyd, 34, of Cheddar Close, Grangetown, admitted handling stolen goods for helping with the post office safe at his shed, and will be dealt with on July 22.

Another gang member, David Corley, 27, of Ennis Square, Redcar, was previously jailed for his role in a raid on a Saltburn hair salon.