A BID to steal expensive tools from a building site failed due to the swift response of security staff and police, a court heard.

David John Dowd and an accomplice placed £3,900-worth of tools taken from a portable cabin on the housing site in Ferryhill, to be collected, on the evening of February 28.

Durham Crown Court was told before Dowd picked them up, police, alerted by site security, gave chase, catching up with the Audi and arresting him later, in Stockton.

Peter Sabiston, prosecuting, said the tools were recovered, but it cost the developer £478 to carry out repairs.

The tools were also initially unable to be used due to the necessary forensic testing.

Dowd, 37, of Haswell Court, Stockton, admitted burglary, his first crime as an adult.

Temitayo Oguntade, mitigating, said despite previous mental health issues, Dowd is willing to do unpaid work.

Judge Jonathan Carroll described it as, “a clearly planned and well thought out” attempt to steal tools from the site.

He told Dowd: “Why you got yourself involved in this is just a mystery, having gone through your adult life without getting into trouble.”

Judge Carroll imposed an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, with 20-probation activity days, 100 hours’ unpaid work, plus a three-month 7pm to 7am home curfew.

Dowd must also pay £200 compensation to the site developer.