Sunderland workman left stunned as suspected thieves try to sell his own stolen power tools back to him

A work man, who had power tools stolen from his van, was left stunned when he confronted the two suspected thieves - and they tried to sell them back to him.
Northumbria Police arrested two men following the incident.Northumbria Police arrested two men following the incident.
Northumbria Police arrested two men following the incident.

Police were alerted to a theft from a van in the Humbledon Park area of Sunderland in the early hours of Saturday morning (July 17) after the victim woke up to a car alarm going off outside the house.

The man then realised that £1,500 worth of power tools had been stolen from his van and after checking his CCTV footage spotted two men acting suspiciously in the area.

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The workman called police and jumped into his van to search the area before he saw two men who looked similar to those on the footage at the Esso garage on Durham Road.

He was then taken aback when one of the males – unaware that he was in fact talking to the victim - asked whether he wanted to buy any power tools.

Officers arrived on the scene and arrested two men – aged 41 and 34 – on suspicion of theft from motor vehicle.

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Inspector Marie Pollock, of Northumbria Police, said: “We take car crime seriously and know the corrosive impact that it can have on the spirit within our communities.

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“The victim in this case deserves huge credit for his decisive actions. After realising his van had been broken into, he called police and worked with us to help guide officers towards the location of two suspects nearby.

“That meant we were able to seize various items believed to have been stolen including power tools and aftershave. This is an excellent outcome that once again showed the value of the public reporting incidents to us."

Insp Pollock has also reminded residents to take an extra second to help deter opportunistic offenders eyeing a quick win.

She said: “I’d always encourage people to check and double check that their cars and doors are locked, and any valuables kept out of sight. By working together, we will continue to bring thieves and burglars to justice.”

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Both men have been charged with the offence and are due to appear in court today (Monday, July 19).

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