Two suspected thieves snared following Houghton van break-in

Northumbria Police were called to a report that two males had broken into a van in the Sunderland Street area of Houghton shortly after 3pm on Sunday, February 14.

When the victim realised around £800 worth of tools had been stolen from inside the vehicle he rand police and checked his CCTV system to see if the offenders were caught on camera.

Footage showed the two offenders and details were passed on to the police meaning officers were able to quickly identify their prime suspects that the force says are well-known in the area.

Within a matter of hours, the pair thought to be responsible were in handcuffs and were taken to station and into a police cell.

The two males arrested – aged 20 and 25 – remain in custody and will be interviewed in connection with the offence later today (Monday, Feburary 15).

Detective Sergeant Chris Raper-Smith, of Northumbria Police, said: “These two arrests were made possible because of the quick-thinking and decisive actions from the victim, and I would like to wholeheartedly thank them for doing the right thing.

“After noticing their van had been targeted by thieves, they picked up the phone and rang police – and their detailed and timely report allowed officers to quickly hone in on the two suspects.

“They are now in a police cell and will be spoken to by detectives throughout the course of today.

“We will continue to take swift and robust action against suspected thieves and burglars, but as ever, the public are our eyes and ears within our communities.

“If you see anybody acting suspiciously, or have been a victim of crime, always report it – and that can allow us to take subsequent action in a bid to rid our streets of those selfish individuals who look to bring misery to others for purely selfish gain.”

Anyone who sees anything suspicious is asked to report it to police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the force’s website or by calling 101.

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