A burglar spotted wandering round town centre shops after targeting a nearby business has been convicted.

Derek McGivern broke into Real Foods on Saltmeadows Trade Park, Gateshead, on Saturday morning (August 13).

His presence was picked up by the store owners after a security camera sounded the alarm.

When police were contacted, officers assisted by the dog unit attended and conducted a search of the premises, thinking the culprit might still be in the building.

Read more: He burgled more than 20 homes, businesses and vehicles in Gateshead

The unit was found to be empty, but officers scanned CCTV and it was not long before they recognised McGivern from the footage and set about locating him.

They did not have to wait long as eagle-eyed police constable out on patrol and soon spotted him walking around Trinity Square, Gateshead.

McGivern was arrested and taken into custody, where he was charged and remanded for court in less than four hours.

While in custody, officers searched his home address, on Blake Walk, Gateshead, and recovered the same rucksack seen on CCTV during the burglary.

The 47-year-old defendant appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Monday (August 15) when he pleaded guilty to burglary.

Magistrates sent the case to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on September 12.

Read more: Darlington burglar targeted homes and businesses across town

Speaking after the hearing, Detective Constable Stu Taylor, of Northumbria Police’s High Impact Team, said: “Burglaries can be devastating for businesses as they can have a knock-on effect with trading, staff confidence and the day-to-day running of a company.

“We are committed to ensuring this type of criminality is kept to a minimum and anyone found to be responsible dealt with swiftly and robustly with the help of our criminal justice partners.

“McGivern brazenly burgled a business and then fled the scene and was caught going about his life as he had done nothing wrong by one of our officers.

“Thankfully, he knew his offending had caught up with him and entered a guilty plea at the first opportunity and is due to be sentenced at a later date.

“While we will continue to do all we can to prevent this type of offending, I would urge everyone to ensure their doors and windows are locked, their belongings kept secure, and any opportunity for a would-be thief kept to a minimum.”

If anyone thinks they can make a difference to their local community, they are urged to take a look at Northumbria Police’s careers website.

Police officer recruitment is now open with further details via #TeamNP.

Read next: 

               Burglar took keys to family's Audi car at County Durham home

               Prolific burglar targeted three Darlington homes in one night

               Prolific Stanley burglar admits series of break-ins

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