Father and Son Duo Jailed for Stealing Luxury Cars Across North East
Ashley Lawson, 50, and his son Jamie, 28, have been locked up after a bold spree stealing luxury cars across County Durham and Tyne and Wear.
Car Theft Spree Uncovered by Police
Police caught the pair last year following a spree that began in Seaham at dawn on May 15. The Lawsons stole a Land Rover Evoque after sneaking keys from a home. They didn’t stop there.
- That same night, they drove to Gateshead’s Sunniside Road and nicked a BMW and a Mercedes Vito van, again using keys stolen from inside the property.
- Jamie then made off with a Volvo in Sunderland.
- Just a week later, on May 22, they grabbed two more cars—a VW T-Roc and a VW Touran—from a Blaydon address.
Jail Time for Burglary and Theft
Ashley faced six burglary charges while Jamie was hit with four burglaries and five theft counts. Newcastle Crown Court handed down heavy sentences on March 6.
Ashley Lawson, from Moorland House, Newcastle, who has a long rap sheet for fraud, shoplifting, and selling stolen goods, was jailed for 64 months.
Jamie Lawson, of Ponteland Road, Newcastle, also with a history of burglary, vehicle interference, and dangerous driving, got four years in the slammer.
Police Praise Quick Action, Urge Public Vigilance
“This is a fantastic result thanks to the swift work of our officers who soon identified the Lawsons,” said Detective Constable Phil Hoggins from Northumbria Police’s High Impact Team. “Burglary is an invasive crime, and we’re sending a clear message—we won’t tolerate it.”
He added: “We’ll keep working closely with the public and partners to catch offenders and bring them to justice. Always double-check your doors, windows, and locks, and keep valuables out of sight.”
If you spot suspicious activity, report it to the police via the ’Tell Us Something’ page or call 101. In emergencies, dial 999 immediately.
