A father and son have both been jailed after a crime spree which saw the duo steal four vehicles in a single night.

Ashley Lawson, 50, and son Jamie, 28, were convicted at Newcastle Crown Court after being arrested last year.

The pair's crime spree began on May 15 last year when they took the keys to a Land Rover Evoque from an address in Seaham. Later that night they travelled to the Sunniside Road area of Gateshead where they stole a BMW and Mercedes Vito van from the same address after once again stealing keys from the property.

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Later the same night, Jamie Lawson stole a Volvo from the Sunderland area.

A week later the duo took another two vehicles from an address in Blaydon.

Ashley Lawson was subsequently charged with six counts of burglary, while Jamie Lawson was charged with four counts of burglary and five counts of theft.

Both men were sentenced to prison at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday (March 6).

The elder Lawson, of Moorland House, Newcastle, has numerous previous convictions for crimes including fraud, disposing of stolen goods and shoplifting. He was jailed for 5 years and 4 months.

His son, Jamie Lawson of Ponteland Road, also in Newcastle, has numerous previous convictions for burglary, vehicle interference and dangerous driving, and was jailed for a total of four years.

Following their sentencing, Detective Constable Phil Hoggins, of Northumbria Police’s High Impact Team, said: “This is a fantastic result which was made possible thanks to the quick and efficient work of our officers, who were able to quickly identify Ashley and Jamie Lawson as being the men who carried out these offences and bring them to justice.

“Burglary is an invasive crime and we want to send a message to people in our communities that we will deliver robust action and effective justice against any offenders.

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“We will continue to work closely with the public, businesses as well as our partners to ensure any burglars and thieves are identified, arrested and put before the courts.

“As ever, we’d remind the public to take an extra second to ensure your doors, windows and locks are secure and that you keep any valuable items out of view.”

Anybody who sees anything suspicious in their area is asked to report it to Northumbria Police by using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website or by calling 101. In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always ring 999.