A gang of would-be caravan thieves has been thwarted in its plan to steal a caravan in Hartlepool.
The criminals were caught red-handed after neighbours were awoken by the sounds of them pushing the mobile holiday home down the road, the Hartlepool Mail revealed.
One called the police, while another banged on a window, scaring the men off. Their vehicle was later spotted in the area by police.
Wayne and Mark Carroll, Leon Robinson, Mark Vasey and Raymond McLoughlin were arrested and charged with theft.
All except Mark Carroll were given 120 hours’ unpaid work as the local magistrates’ court deemed him unfit for such punishment.
Instead, the 21-year-old will serve a three month curfew, which will be imposed from 21:00 GMT until 07:00.
All five men were also sentenced to 12-month community orders with supervision.
Those wishing to spend a caravan vacation in Hartlepool could stay at the local Crimdon Dene Holiday Park, which features an indoor heated pool, spa baths and all-weather sports courts.
