A thief who caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage after a reckless stealing spree in Doncaster has been jailed for 12 months. 

John Stoakes stole two laptops worth £900 in total and a £100 mobile phone after breaking into a business centre in Hyde Park overnight on the 13th of November.

The 36-year-old, of no fixed abode, broke several doors, costing £700 each to repair, and was identified after a spot of blood found at the scene was matched to his DNA.

On the 1st of December, Stoakes shattered the window of a Doncaster bar with a patio slab, going on to steal a £500 mobile phone and three bottles of spirits.

The defendant appeared before Doncaster Magistrates’ Court on the 4th of December and pleaded guilty to all offences.

Detective Constable Danielle Green said: “Stoakes’ offending was completely reckless and caused a lot of damage that has proved costly to business owners.

“It is the last thing they need to be dealing with during a cost of living crisis and just before Christmas, and that is why we are doing all we can to identify and prosecute thieves like Stoakes.

“Burglaries like these cause extensive damage and result in valuable items being taken; and sometimes, these kinds of burglaries can put local hard-working firms out of business.

“I would urge business owners in Doncaster to get in touch with their local policing team for advice on how to properly safeguard their premises so we can prevent thieves like Stoakes from committing these thoughtless and damaging crimes.”