Police took CCTV from a man in Spennymoor after he was burgled, but during this time the burglar returned for a repeat performance.

Gary Clayton was burgled on February 16 when he had his tools stolen.

As Mr Clayton had caught the man responsible on his CCTV system, police took this to help with their investigation.

Six weeks later, however, the burglar returned to the house on Beech Avenue and broke a window and stole Mr Clayton’s wife’s purse.

The Northern Echo: The broken window during the second burglary. Picture: Gary ClaytonThe broken window during the second burglary. Picture: Gary Clayton (Image: Gary Clayton)

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Mr Clayton told The Northern Echo: “I gave the police the CCTV and they said I could have it back after two days but six weeks later they still had it and then he (the burglar) came back! And obviously without the CCTV I can’t prove it.

“We came home and saw what had happened and we were just gutted.

“We were out but we could see he’d tried to use a garden fork to get through the patio doors but that didn’t work. Then he tried the same thing on the back door. Then he’s got an edging spade from the garden and broke a window and stole my wife’s purse.

“I told the police he’d come back but obviously they had the CCTV so there’s nothing we can do to prove it really.

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“He was arrested for the first one (first burglary) and then he was let out and five days later he came back here. You couldn’t make it up. It’s been stressful. My wife couldn’t sleep after that first burglary, she stayed downstairs in case he came back.”

A spokesperson for Duham Police said: “Officers are investigating two burglaries at a property in Beech Avenue, Spennymoor.

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“One incident happened at around 9.30am on Wednesday (March 29) and the other on the evening of Thursday, February 16.

“A 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incidents and released under investigation while further enquiries are carried out.”

More as we have it.