Suspect found hiding in airing cupboard following Sunderland burglary

On Friday morning (November 13) it was reported that an address on Westcliffe Road in Sunderland had been burgled overnight.

An offender had gained entry to the family home while the occupants were asleep and stole a number of items. They then swiped a set of car keys and made off in a car that was parked on the driveway.

Detectives launched an investigation and within 90 minutes officers had located the vehicle abandoned in the Dame Dorothy Street area of the city.

Over the weekend, officers continued to follow lines of enquiry in a bid to locate those responsible – and a CCTV trail soon provided a fresh lead.

Officers were able to identify a man they believed to have been behind the burglary – and in the early hours of yesterday (Sunday) police executed a warrant at an address in Houghton.

Initially, the man they wanted to speak to did not appear to be home – but officers carried out a search and found the suspect hiding inside an airing cupboard.

The 38-year-old man was subsequently arrested and taken into police custody.

Chief Inspector Paul Walters said: “A lot of hard work then followed which involved officers spending hours following a CCTV trawl to identify a suspect who they believed may have been involved in the burglary.

“That work continued into the early hours of Sunday morning when we searched a home in the Houghton area, and those present showed their investigative nous to successfully bring a suspect into custody.

“This type of outcome does not just happen and requires a huge amount of work and dedication – so I would personally like to thank those involved.

“Inquiries are ongoing into the burglary but I hope this sends out a reassuring message to families across the city. We will use every tactic at our disposal when dealing with such an intrusive crime and do everything in our power to bring anyone found responsible to justice.”

The 38-year-old arrested has since been released on police bail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ age of the force’s website or by calling 101 quoting log 228 131120.

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.