TWO prolific thieves who terrorised businesses by shoplifting have been jailed.

Billy Joab, 32, and Tony Catherall, 38, have each been jailed for seven months after being convicted of a string of thefts.

The men were arrested by police following two separate investigations.

Joab has been identified as being responsible for six shoplifting offences.

The majority of his offending was connected to the Co-op store in Whickham and police worked with staff at the shop to gather the evidence needed to convict him at court.

He admitted a string of charges before magistrates in South Tyneside where he received the custodial sentence.

Catherall became a prime suspect after police received reports of a spate of shoplifting offences in Winlaton, Blaydon and Crawcrook.

The thief was eventually charged with 28 shoplifting offences and was jailed at the same court as Joab last week.

Joab, of Cyprus Crescent, Dunston, admitted six counts of shoplifting, one count of handling stolen goods and one count of fraud at South Tyneside Magistrates Court.

Sergeant Warren Sturrock said: “These two men are well known offenders who have been committing crime across Gateshead for a number of months.

“We have worked hard to gather the evidence needed to put them before the courts and I want to thank local businesses for their support.

“Neither of these thieves have any respect for their local community and they have caused fear and intimidation wherever they go.

“I welcome the custodial sentences they have received in court and hope it reassures the public.”