A burglar who was frogmarched out of a home as he targeted properties in Shildon has been jailed. Philip Longstaff was trying his luck with door handles near midnight on August 12 when he managed to get into one house and into the bedroom of a couple getting ready for bed. When confronted by the shocked homeowners, the 49-year-old said “your door was open”. Believing he was drunk and had wandered into their home by accident, the couple escorted him out, unbeknownst to them that he would go on to try to target their neighbours. Longstaff went on to try several other doors in the area but thankfully they were all locked. However, he did break a window of a parked caravan, stealing several items and also tried to get into a car that same evening. The couple reported the incident the next day when their neighbours also shared their concerns and Longstaff was confronted by officers after stealing a bottle of wine from B&M. He was arrested and in interview got agitated when he was shown doorbell footage, at one point telling officers he couldn’t see it because he was “going blind”. Longstaff was subsequently charged with two burglaries, two attempted burglaries, two thefts and one count of vehicle interference. He was remanded into custody and appeared at Durham Crown Court on Tuesday (October 21) where he was sentenced to a total of three years and four months in prison. DC Joshua Chew, who led the investigation, said: “Longstaff knew what he was doing when he targeted these homes so we are glad to see he is behind bars for the foreseeable and that the streets of Shildon are now safer.” With the clocks going back this weekend and the dark nights drawing in, remember to keep your doors, windows, outbuildings and vehicles locked to prevent opportunist thieves from targeting you. Report any unusual behaviour to us via 101 and always call 999 in an emergency or if an incident is underway. We are also continuing our work through our Winter Nights operation which aims to provide equipment and education to help residents from becoming a victim of burglary and theft as criminals take advantage of the darker nights. Find out more about how to protect yourself and your home here: www.durham.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/