A MAN has been arrested after trying to hide an imitation firearm in a sweet shop. 

Callum Brown, 28, was caught by police in the Spennymoor store and charged with possession of an imitation firearm and also burglary and public order. 

Officers also recovered several other stolen items at the shop, believed to have been taken from a recent break-in including a child's coat with the washing line peg still attached. 

The 28-year-old pleaded guilty to all three charges at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on Thursday. 

Brown, of Frederick Street, Seaham, is due to be sentenced on October 8. 

Read more: Dozens of illicit cigarettes found being sold in North East town during hour-long investigation

Neighbourhood Police Inspector, Mike Sammut, said: “Brown has plagued the local community for weeks and has been a one-man crimewave entering residents’ gardens and stealing property with total disregard for everyone.

“Officers from our response, neighbourhood and CID teams have worked tirelessly to pull together evidence to secure this conviction and restore some normality for victims and local residents.

“I would like to thank all those who contacted the police to report offences and who assisted police to put Brown behind bars and I hope this is reflected in the sentence he ultimately receives.”

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