TWO burglars who stole £4,000 while raiding a Greggs bakery, stopping to grab a fizzy drink on the way out, have been jailed.

Michael Carney, 39, and David McDougall, 38, are behind bars after being convicted of burgling the premises on Bede Industrial Estate, Jarrow, in May 2018.

Carney, who was the boyfriend of an employee who worked at the store, helped himself to the keys and a fob from the woman’s handbag before he and McDougall carried out the break-in.

Carney, of Belgrave Terrace, South Shields, and McDougall, of Beach Road, South Shields, were arrested by police and pleaded guilty to the burglary at Newcastle Crown Court in October.

On Monday a judge sentenced Carney to 18 months imprisonment and McDougall received a nine-month custodial term.

Sergeant Ashleigh Goldhawk, of Northumbria Police, said: “These two offenders showed a total disregard for the law as they shamelessly broke into the bakery and made off with a significant amount of money.

“Their actions had a significant impact on a number of people, including the employees who were forced to temporarily put their lives on hold while the shop was closed as new locks were fitted and the damaged safe replaced.

“Offenders like Carney and McDougall cannot be trusted to live in a lawful society, and as a result, they now face a spell behind bars to reflect on the severity and consequences of their actions.

“We will continue to do everything we can to ensure those who flout the law and bring misery to our communities are dealt with robustly.”

The court heard that the break-in had a significant impact on its employees.

In a statement, a company spokesman said: “This has upset staff at the store.”