Newton Aycliffe motorhome thief caught by DNA jailed

Lee Harris, 55, of Salisbury Terrace, Stockton-on-Tees, tried to steal a motorhome from outside a business on Grindon Way, in Newton Aycliffe, at around 9.30pm on August 22 last year.

After failing to get the vehicle to move by tampering with the ignition, the 55-year-old ripped the two front seats from the floor and made off with them.

Forensic experts examining the scene found a small speck of blood on one of the remaining cushions, which was analysed and revealed a DNA match for Harris.

He was charged with attempted theft of a vehicle, theft from a motor vehicle, and criminal damage.

Harris pleaded guilty to the offences, as well as further charges, including theft of a motor vehicle, relating to a similar incident which took place in North Yorkshire last year.

That earlier incident, in January 2024, involved a late‑night operation in which an £85,000 motorhome was stolen from a driveway in Claxton, sparking a police chase through rural North Yorkshire countryside.

Harris and Alexander Ross, of Sunnyside in Middlesbrough, both attempted to flee across moorland, but were quickly arrested by police due to the fact they both tripped over.

A third man, Thomas Bennett, was later found hiding under a hedgerow, while a fourth suspect has never been identified.

Harris appeared at York Crown Court last week where he was jailed for seven years and four months.

Detective Constable Joshua Chew, from South Durham CID, said: “This was an organised and pre-planned attempt to steal someone’s pride and joy, which caused extensive and irreparable damage.

“Thanks to the diligent work of our crime scene investigators, we were able to place Harris at the scene of the crime and bring him to justice.

“I hope this conviction and sentence sends a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue those offenders who wish to cause harm to our communities.”