Long prison terms for burglars
A gang of burglars from West Auckland who raided stores across the dales began lengthy prison sentences last week.
David Maughan, Trevor Maughan and David Quinn stole thousands of pounds of goods and caused extensive damage during an 11-day crime spree earlier this year.
The gang targeted the Co-op store in Stanhope twice as well as the Spar store in Wolsingham.
They also raided the post office shop in Woodland twice and the Spar store in Staindrop.
Police set up an operation to target the gang, which paid dividends after the raid on the Stanhope Co-op on March 13.
A police patrol spotted their Ford Mondeo getaway car and began a pursuit through the dale. The gang then crashed the car and fled.
The force helicopter and dogs team were deployed and the men were found hiding in woods.
David Maughan, 32, and Trevor Maughan, 26, admitted six counts of conspiracy to commit burglary, and
Quinn, 32, admitted four counts when they appeared at Durham Crown Court last week.
David Maughan of Dickenson Road, and Trevor Maughan of Melrose Drive, West Auckland were both jailed for four-and-a-half years. David Quinn, 32, of Katrine Walk, West Auckland was jailed for three years, nine months.
Insp Neil Edgar, who led the investigation, welcomed the prison sentences.
“This sends out a message to anyone thinking of replicating these crimes,” he said. “There is a perception that the dales are a soft touch but they are not. Those who commit crime there will be arrested and prosecuted and will end up in prison.”
And Insp Edgar was unimpressed by the gang’s excuse that they were trying to feed their families after falling on hard times.
“As the judge said, these shops sold food, but they chose to go for cigarettes and alcohol. He said they were a team of professional criminals.”
The gang twice raided Dorothy Dowson’s shop and Post Office in Woodland, making off mostly with cigarettes.
“They did a lot of damage and caused us inconvenience and hassle,” she said. “I’m pleased they caught them and that they are inside – we feel safer now.
“They said they did it because they were out of work, but there are a lot of people in that position and they don’t go around breaking and entering.”
Mrs Dowson also praised police efforts in bringing the gang to justice.
“The police were here quickly both times and they kept us informed,” she said. “They keep an eye on the place, and I’m really pleased with them – they do a good job for us here.”