Robert Rutherford, 45, and Joel Rayiru, 39, broke into a small business owner’s vehicle in Harrogate on Tuesday night and took his equipment.
But CCTV footage and help from the public enabled police to identify and arrest the pair within hours.
As well as the stolen equipment, police also recovered a drill they believe had been stolen in another raid.
Today the two defendants pleaded guilty to theft and were sentenced at York Magistrates Court.
Rutherford, of Bower Street, Harrogate, was jailed for four weeks to be served consecutively to a 16-week prison sentence for another offence. He must pay £85 prosecution costs and a statutory surcharge of £154.
Rayiru, of no fixed address, received a community order and must pay £85 prosecution costs and a £114 statutory surcharge.
Police started their hunt for the thieves when the vehicle owner contacted them at 7.30am yesterday. They arrested the thieves at 4pm.
Detective Sergeant Holly Grosvenor from our Harrogate & Craven Investigation Hub said:
“Theft of tools and equipment causes significant disruption to victims, especially small business owners who rely on them to earn a living. This swift outcome demonstrates our commitment to tackling these crimes and ensuring those responsible face justice.”
The thieves had a blue Makita drill. If you believe this belongs to you, or you have suffered a similar raid, contact North Yorkshire Police, quoting reference 12250004142.
