Peterlee burglar targeted several caravan parks in Weardale

Scott Craig’s first offence happened when he tried to smash his way into a lodge and damaged patio doors on White House and Hagg Bridge Caravan Park in Weardale.

His blood was found on towels and furniture around the lodge resulting in his arrest.

The 52-year-old then burgled a unit on the Brotherlee Caravan Park near West Gate in Weardale before targeting two units on the Betsdale Caravan Park in Frosterley.

Betsdale Caravan Park in Frosterley (Image: Google)

Teesside Crown Court heard how Craig stole televisions, a radio, a purse and a pillow case, some of which were later recovered from the defendant’s partner’s home by police.

White House and Hagg Bridge Caravan Park (Image: Google)

Elisha Marsay, prosecuting, said Craig’s blood was recovered from White House and Hagg Bridge Caravan Park and was subsequently identified and arrested by police.

She said the defendant then carried out three burglaries in September which left the owners feeling violated and upset by Craig’s actions.

Miss Marsay said the defendant had drunk some Carlsberg while he was stealing property from on of the static caravans.

The defendant was identified from CCTC which captured the number plate of his vehicle when he was driving in the area.

Scott Craig (Image: Durham Constabulary)

Craig, of York Road, Peterlee, pleaded guilty to damaging property between March 22 and April 2 this year, and the three burglaries on September 20 and 27.

Brotherlee Holiday Home Park (Image: Google)

Martin Scarborough, mitigating, said his client was expecting a custodial sentence due to his history of offending.

He said: “He had the good sense to plead guilty well in advance to the proposed trial dates.”

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Recorder Dapinder Singh sentenced Craig to a total of three years and seven months for all offences.

He said the burglaries had a devastating impact on the victims who now no longer felt safe using their static caravans.

“Your offending is aggravated because you were on bail when the burglaries were committed, you removed your electronic tag to commit the burglaries but more significantly your previous convictions.

“You have 38 convictions for 165 offences, including previous offences of burglary.”