Pair stole £500k of cars and jewellery in Newcastle

Martin Flemming and Grant Ferguson went on the spree between June and November 2022, targeting properties in the Newcastle and Gateshead areas, a court was told. 

In August, a Newcastle victim had her Ford Fiesta stolen from her driveway just days after she had gone on holiday.

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After a neighbour alerted police, it was found that the victim’s house had been broken into and jewellery taken.

In the same month, a couple returned to their Blaydon home to find almost £4,500 worth of cash, along with jewellery, passports, car keys and the safe had been taken after both offenders had broken in through a patio door.

Just days after the burglary, Flemming and Ferguson returned to the address and, using the keys stolen previously, took a van from the victim’s driveway. It was later recovered from the Ryton area.

The pair however were undone after police were able to identify both men carrying out several of the burglaries and attempted burglaries.

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Clothing recovered from the defendants’ addresses matched what they were wearing on the day of the offences.

After being arrested, Flemming refused to be interviewed by officers and had to be returned to his cell.

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At Newcastle Crown Court, Flemming, 34, of no fixed abode, admitted five counts of burglary, one count of attempted burglary, three counts of vehicle theft and one count of handling stolen goods.

Ferguson, 24, of Cruddas Park, Elswick, Newcastle, admitted three counts of burglary and four counts of vehicle theft. He also admitted to stealing two bikes worth thousands of pounds.

At the same court on Wednesday, June 21, Flemming was given 10 years and eight months in prison, while Ferguson was handed a jail sentence of eight years and four months.

Following the sentencing of both men, Detective Sergeant Phil Hoggins, of Northumbria Police’s High Impact Team, said: “This is a great result and I am pleased that both Flemming and Ferguson have received lengthy custodial sentences for their offences.

“Burglary can have a profound impact on victims, who not only suffer financial loss at the hands of greedy intruders like these two men, but it can also cause extra stress and anxiety to know someone was in your home.

“Our officers have done a fantastic job investigating these crimes and bringing both offenders to justice. Their tireless work has been vital in securing convictions and I hope that this gives the victims some degree of closure.

“My message to the general public is to please continue to report any suspicious behaviour and criminal activity to us, and we can assure you, we will continue to act on it.

“As ever, we’d remind the public to take that extra second to ensure your doors, windows and locks are secure and that you keep any valuable items out of view.”

Anybody who sees anything suspicious in their area is asked to report it by using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101. In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always ring 999.