Three men jailed for farmer’s quad bike theft in Co Durham

Three quad bike thieves are behind bars after targeting a farm in County Durham.

An eagle-eyed resident spotted the trio making off with a farmer’s quad bike in Daddry Shield, near Stanhope, last week.

The resident alerted police about the suspicious activity and then followed the vehicle, giving officers updates as they blue-lighted to the scene.

See also: Video: Quad bike theft – how to avoid being a victim

Jackson Lee Bainbridge, 20, Connor Dodds and Liam Robson, both 21, sped through Westgate and Stanhope before being seen abandoning the quad bike and jumping over a wall.

A big thank you to our #rural communities!

3⃣ burglars are behind bars after stealing a quad bike from a farm last week.

They were spotted making off by a resident and RPU officers found them hiding in a bush.

Full story👉https://t.co/ymdzlChC8x@DurhamRPU @RuralCops pic.twitter.com/DJ5lFXO1rP

— Durham Constabulary (@DurhamPolice) January 13, 2022

They were arrested after trying to hide in some bushes and under a van during the 4am incident.

All three men appeared in court on Friday (7 January) where Dodds, of Argent Street, Peterlee and Bainbridge, of Kirkstone Avenue, Peterlee, pleaded guilty to burglary. Robson, of no fixed abode, initially pleaded not guilty, but changed his plea to guilty on Monday (10 January).

Prison terms

All three were sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, with Bainbridge receiving an additional six weeks for breaching a previous suspended sentence.

The trio were also ordered to pay court costs. The quad bike has since been returned to the farmer.

Det Sgt Sarah Hindmarsh, of Durham Constabulary, said: “Thanks to the speedy report from the member of the public and the use of the rural WhatsApp group, officers were able to make sure these prolific offenders were caught and taken off the streets.

“These close links with our rural communities are vital and we will continue to work with residents to keep them safe.”