News

May 20, 2023

Three arrested in County Durham after alleged building site theft near Sunderland

Proactive security staff have been praised for helping police to catch alleged thieves a short time after they are suspected to have struck at a building site. Three County Durham men will now appear

Proactive security staff have been praised for helping police to catch alleged thieves a short time after they are suspected to have struck at a building site.

Three County Durham men will now appear in court next month accused of theft.

Security officers raised the alarm during a suspected break-in on the site in Travers Street, New Herrington, near Sunderland, at about 7pm on Tuesday (July 18).

It was reported that a flatbed truck had entered the estate and a group of men were stealing building materials, including scaffolding boards worth £1,000.

Read more: Sunderland woman serving 20-month sentence for theft from employer

The observant security personnel working at the site soon spotted the suspicious activity and alerted police, via the 999 emergency line.

While they were reporting the suspected break-in, the vehicle in question sped away from the scene.

The security officers decided to follow the truck at a distance, as it headed towards the Shotton Colliery area of County Durham, providing live-time updates to police call handlers.

As the vehicle came to a halt near to Burns Terrace, the three occupants were swiftly greeted by officers who had been deployed to the scene,

All three men, aged 19, 30 and 40, were arrested on suspicion of theft.

They have since been charged in connection with the offence and will appear before magistrates in coming weeks.

Read more: Burglar traced to address in Murton by Air Tag device on stolen keys

Neighbourhood Sergeant Tom Scott, of Northumbria Police, said: “Thanks to quick-thinking security staff who alerted police to the break-in as it was happening, we have been able to arrest and charge three suspects in connection with the report.

“Not only that, but their live-time updates allowed us to catch up with the group and recover a significant haul of stolen building materials.

“This was a brilliant example of how police can work together with the community to share information and stop suspected criminals in their tracks.

“We take reports of burglary and theft very seriously and would always encourage anybody who sees anything they believe to be suspicious to get in touch as soon as possible.

“That way, we can continue to work together to ensure our region remains as safe as it possibly can be.

“Thanks to everyone involved in this brilliant outcome, and particularly to our neighbourhood team who were able to stay on late and help to secure charges in this investigation.”

Sgt Scott added: “As ever, we would also ask the wider public, including businesses, to continue to work with us to help reduce the impact burglary and theft can have by ensuring doors, windows and properties are kept secure and valuables out of view.”

Read next:

Judge prohibits young man from visiting grandfather's Crook home

Future of Durham city restaurant 'left in jeopardy' after burglary

'Three-strikes' burglar stole Christmas hamper from Shildon house

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Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity in their community, or has any information about local crime, can report it using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on the force website, or by calling 101.

In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, the advice is always to ring 999.

The arrested trio will appear before South Tyneside magistrates at hearings on either August 2, or August 18.