A North East man has been charged and has appeared in court following a shed break in and thefts from two shops.

37-year-old Stephen Steele of Hartington Road, was arrested by officers on Monday (September 30) following reports of a man in the back garden of a property on Perth Grove just before 10pm.

However, by the time officers attended the call the man had left the scene.

The suspect was later located at a shop on Harper Parade following reports of a theft where he was subsequently arrested, questioned and was charged with burglary and three thefts from a shop.

Mr Steele appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court today (October 2).

A full statement from Cleveland Police reads: "The 37-year-old, of Hartington Road, was arrested by officers on Monday 30 September following reports of a man in the back garden of a property on Perth Grove.

"Officers swiftly attended to the property however the man had fled the area prior to their arrival.

"Following enquiries, he was located at a shop on Harper Parade in the town following reports of a theft from a convenience store.

Recommended:

Get more content including the stories that matter to your community from The Northern Echo for just £1 for 1 month for a limited time only here.

"He was taken to custody to be questioned before being charged with burglary and three thefts from a shop.

"After being remanded in custody, he appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court on Wednesday 2 October.

"The charges relate to a shed being broken into at a property on Perth Grove at 9.50pm on Monday 30 September and the theft of numerous items from a convenience store on Harper Parade and Urlay Nook Road in Eaglescliffe."