Thief jailed day after targeting tools in van

Police used CCTV to track down the thieves after they stole from a vehicle in Harrogate

A man has been jailed for theft the day after he stole tools from a small business owner's van in Harrogate.

The theft was reported to police at 07:30 GMT on Wednesday and two men were arrested in connection with the incident by 16:00, North Yorkshire Police said.

Robert Rutherford, 45, from Harrogate, admitted theft from a motor vehicle and was jailed for four weeks at York Magistrates' Court on Thursday. Joel Rayiru, 39, of no fixed address, admitted the same charge and received a community order.

Det Sgt Holly Grosvenor said justice had been "swift".

Officers said they were able to find Rutherford and Rayiru quickly thanks to CCTV footage recorded by the victim and help from the public.

In addition to his prison sentence, Rutherford was ordered to pay £239 in costs.

Rayiru received a rehabilitation activity requirement and was ordered to pay £199 in costs.

Ms Grosvenor said: "Theft of tools and equipment causes significant disruption to victims, especially small business owners who rely on them to earn a living."

The quick outcome demonstrated the force's "commitment to tackling these crimes and ensuring those responsible face justice," she said.

Officers also found a blue Makita drill that did not belong to the victim while recovering the stolen items and have asked anyone who believes they may have been targeted by the thieves to contact police.

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