Father and son who stole four vehicles in one night jailed

Ashley Lawson, 50, and his son Jamie, 28, were convicted at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday, March 6, after police caught the pair last year.

Officers discovered that both men were involved in the crime spree as they stole a Land Rover Evoque after taking the keys from an address in Seaham during the early hours of May 15, 2022.

The pair then journeyed to the Sunniside Road area of Gateshead to steal a BMW and a Mercedes Vito van from the same address, again taking keys from inside the property.

Following this, Jamie then stole a Volvo from the Sunderland area.

On May 22, 2022, the pair then took another two vehicles, a Volkswagen T-Roc and Touran, from a property in Blaydon.

Officers charged Ashley with six counts of burglary and Jamie with four counts of burglary and five counts of theft.

At Newcastle Crown Court, Ashley Lawson, of Moorland House, Newcastle, was jailed for 64 months - with the court hearing he had previous convictions for fraud, disposing of stolen goods and shoplifting.

Jamie Lawson, of Ponteland Road, Newcastle, who has previous convictions for burglary, vehicle interference and dangerous driving, was jailed for 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.

“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.”

Read Newcastle’s news on the go with our free email newsletters - bringing the headlines to your inbox. Catch up on the day’s news and sport and enjoy even more from the NewcastleWorld team. Visit our website here to find out more and sign up.