A BURGLAR was caught trying to steal from a care home shop.

Sharnie Louise Rank was caught red-handed by staff at the Ferryhill care home last Thursday when she tried to steal a bottle of wine, a bottle of whisky and several bags of popcorn from the residents’ tuck shop.

Rank, 31, who was identified by a staff member, ran off when challenged, in the early hours.

Police went to her home in Watt Street, Ferryhill, where she initially tried to flee but then barricaded herself in.

She was arrested after a short stand-off and at first denied the offences, claiming care home staff ‘had it in for her’ and that lots of people look similar.

Rank admitted burglary at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court and received an 18 week prison sentence, last Friday.

Detective Sergeant Sarah Hindmarsh, of South Durham Crime team, said: “We are pleased to see Rank has been given a custodial sentence for this offence after she entered the care home late at night and stole items from a communal area with no regard for the elderly residents or staff.”

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