A serial burglar who targeted five homes in a “terrifying” late night crime spree was rumbled after dropping his baseball cap at the scene. 

David Hawkes - who has racked up a total of 97 convictions - broke into two houses and tried to sneak into three others in Cleadon, South Tyneside, last August.

In one break-in, the 42-year-old accidentally woke the resident of the home, who saw him standing in her hallway. A violent confrontation ensued outside as her partner caught Hawkes in the driving seat of their vehicle. 

The victim suffered facial injuries as the intruder made a desperate bid to get away. But the offender dropped his baseball cap whilst grappling for freedom – which police then seized.

He was rumbled when the cap later came back as a forensic match to Hawkes.

With an investigation launched, Hawkes was also seen on CCTV trying the front doors of three other addresses on the same street between 3am and 6am.

Hawkes, of Wendover Close, Witherwack, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary and three counts of attempted burglary when appearing at Newcastle Crown Court on June 7.

He was subsequently jailed for 45 months.

Northumbria Police PC Louise Edwards, who works for one of the force’s dedicated burglary teams, welcomed Hawkes’ conviction.

PC Edwards said: “This was no doubt a terrifying ordeal for the victims, especially the one who woke up to see Hawkes standing in her home. She has had to live with the emotional and psychological impact of his selfishness for the last 10 months.

“Everyone should feel safe in their own home. Burglary is such an intrusive crime which can have a significant impact not only on victims and their families but the wider community as a whole.

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“Hawkes should be absolutely ashamed of his actions and I am pleased that he now begins a substantial spell behind bars.

“We make no apology as a team for pursuing burglars and thieves, and we are willing to use every tactic at our disposal in order to ensure those who prey on others rightly have their day in court.

“I would like to thank the victims and everyone involved in this investigation that has brought Hawkes to justice, including our Forensic Services Department who were able to irrefutably prove that he was responsible for this spate of offences.”