TWO young burglars who brought misery to householders whose homes they ransacked are both starting 30-month custodial sentences.

Clayton Ophield was involved in two daytime break-ins, taking jewellery of sentimental value.

Co-accused Rodney Smith took part in the second of those burglaries, both on February 15.

Durham Crown Court was told Ophield had already been involved in a previous break-in, at an unoccupied house undergoing renovatioin in Eleventh Street, Blackhall Colliery.

Piping, a radiator and the boiler, were taken, costing £5,565 to repair the damage and replace.

Ophield was on bail when he was part of a gang of up to four, including two youths, who took part in the February offences committed when the householders were away from home.

Jo Kidd, prosecuting, said jewellery worth £1,500 was taken from the home of a retired woman in Thorntree Gill, Peterlee, while two rings for a forthcoming wedding, plus £2,400, were taken from a safe at a house in Cotford Park, Horden.

Ophield, 18, of Shakespeare Avenue, Blackhall Colliery, admitted three counts of burglary.

Smith, 22, of Eighth Street, Blackhall Colliery, who has a previous break-in on his record, admitted a single burglary.

Michele Turner, for Ophield, said his offending only began at the age of 17, since when he has been on, “a bit of a spree”, but she said he has shown some understanding recently of the impact of his offending.

Victoria Smith Swain, for Smith, said his poor thinking skills led to him to become involved in this burglary.

“He met up with his co-accused and became involved on the day, with no pre-planning as far as he was concerned.”

Imposing the custodial sentences on both, Judge Ray Singh said: “You were roaming the streets looking for property to burgle, ransack and the like.

“The sort of items you took can never be replaced and their loss had a devastating effect on the victims.

“They were, no doubt, sold for a pittance so you could enjoy yourselves.”