A BURGLAR who was arrested within ten minutes of being reported has been jailed.

Officers caught Craig Dixon in the act after a report from a neighbour at the address in Warren Street, Horden, last December.

The neighbour saw the 36-year-old enter the unoccupied property and became suspicious when he started banging around.

After arresting Dixon, officers found damage in the house with copper piping and the boiler removed from the wall.

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Dixon, of Ninth Street, Blackhall Colliery, made no comment in interview but after officers worked on forensic evidence, he was charged with burglary.

He appeared at court on March 10 where he pleaded guilty.

He is now serving a 16-month prison sentence.

PC Chelsea Harle, of Durham Constabulary, said: “Burglary is an abhorrent offence no matter whether a property is occupied or not so we want to say a big 'thank you' to the resident who called us to report this suspicious activity that allowed us to catch Dixon in the act.

“Another burglar is now behind bars and we want to send that message to anyone thinking of targeting the East Coast.

"We will pursue you and protect our communities against your mindless actions.”

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