A "ONE-man crimewave" who left caravan owners devastated after he raided their holiday homes has been jailed for six years.

Durham Crown Court heard some long-time owners had become so fearful of returning to their damaged countryside retreats following break-ins by serial burglar Scott Anthony Craig they had decided to give up their plots.

Judge Christopher Prince said Craig “somewhat cynically” turned his attention to unattended caravan parks over the winter months, shortly after his release from a previous jail term.

After hearing Craig, 43, of High Northgate, Darlington, had admitted 16 burglary counts and asked for 40 similar offences to be considered, the judge described him as “a one-man crimewave”.

The court heard the “three-strikes” burglar hoped the criminal justice system would be less stringent over caravan break-ins, as opposed to those at other domestic properties.

He struck at several sites in the Durham dales and North Yorkshire, forcing his way into scores of static caravans by smashing doors and windows, before carrying out often untidy searches. The court was told he took whatever items of value he could find.

The Northern Echo:

VICTIM: Colin Unsworth

One victim, Colin Unsworth, spoke on behalf of several fellow owners at Stanhope Burn Caravan Park, in Weardale.

Sentimental effects and memorabilia, reflecting 35 years’ of happy holiday visits by members of his wife, Desiree’s family, were left strewn around.

Craig also took a television, while it cost £1,200 to replace a window smashed by the defendant in gaining access.

“It was a distressing time, particularly for my wife, as this was a place where she had many fond memories being with her family. It’s been invaded and we, now, don’t feel the same about it. Several older people on the site have packed in as a result. It was their sanctuary, but some don’t want to go back.”

Eric Watson, mitigating, said in many cases the items taken were of “relatively low value”, and some were recovered, but he acknowledged the “trauma” felt by the owners. Thanking Mr Unsworth for speaking for many of the victims, Judge Prince added: “I hope you will convey to the owners that caravans are dwelling houses, and will be treated as such by the courts.”