A PROLIFIC thief has been jailed after she was caught trying to gain access to parked cars and stealing loose change from one of them.

Kelly Traynor, of Cleadon Street, Consett, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (January 14) where she pleaded guilty to two counts of vehicle interference, one count of theft from a motor vehicle and one of breaching a criminal behaviour order.

Laura Croft, prosecuting, said the defendant was seen trying to open car doors by a witness who called the police.

Traynor was then identified by CCTV footage.

Ms Croft said: "The defendant has a criminal behaviour order which prohibits her from standing near, leaning on, or trying to open the door of a vehicle which does not belong to her.

"On January 12 the defendant approached a number of vehicles in Consett and attempted to open the doors when she was seen by a car owner.

"The defendant was then followed by the victim and was seen eventually getting into a vehicle."

Paula Donohue, mitigating, said: “This is what she does, she is never going to hurt anyone she is just a menace.”

William Unsworth, chair of the bench, sentenced Traynor, 30, to 12 weeks in prison for the vehicle interference and six weeks for each other charge, to run concurrent. She must also pay £5 compensation.