A raider has been jailed after stealing from businesses in York - within days of being given a suspended prison sentence for other crimes.

Daniel Heaney, 29, of Hull Road, York, was spotted by CCTV operators breaking into Lucky Days café and Five Guys restaurant in Low Petergate in York in the early hours of Friday, November 15 this year.

North Yorkshire Police said officers attended the scene within minutes, and after a short pursuit through the city, Heaney was caught, arrested, and stolen property recovered.

Previously, on October 7, 2024, Heaney threw a brick through the window of the Angel on the Green in Bishopthorpe Road and stole a till, the force said. He was linked to this incident through forensic evidence.

He also entered Spar in Lowther Street on October 7, and stole washing powder. On trying to leave, police said he failed to read the 'pull' sign on the door, and accused staff of locking him in. He then kicked the glass door, smashing it, before realising he could just pull the handle to open it.

Heaney was charged with three counts of burglary, as well as criminal damage and shop theft for the Lowther Street incident.

He pleaded guilty, but refused to leave his cell for sentencing at York Magistrates' Court on Monday, November 18, and was sentenced in his absence, the police said.

He was told the offences were so serious, only a custodial sentence could be justified - and was jailed.

Just four days before he broke into the restaurant and cafe, he had appeared before York Magistrates Court and been given a 20-week prison sentence suspended for two years for a long string of crimes against businesses and shops in York.  

He was made to serve the 20 weeks, plus eight weeks for the new offences, making a total of 28 weeks.

PC John Armstrong, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "We know the impact that retail crime has on shops and restaurants. Businesses support our city centre in York, by providing employment and attracting customers. Offences against them not only affects people's finances and livelihoods, it also leaves staff in fear of crime and violence.

"The message is clear - criminals who target retailers in York face a robust police response, a prompt and effective investigation into their crimes - and could end up behind bars for a significant length of time."