One in the cells following assistance of Newbiggin by the Sea residents
One in the cells – after a man is apprehended by officers with the assistance of a group of Good Samaritans in Northumberland.
Just after 3am this morning (Wednesday), police received a report that a man was attempting to gain access to vehicles on Front Street in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.
With officers swiftly en route, quick-thinking residents took action, detaining the man in the moments leading up to police arrival.
Within a matter of minutes, officers were on scene and had a 39-year-old man in handcuffs and in the back of a police van on its way to custody.
The man was arrested on suspicion of interference with a motor vehicle, and he remains in police custody at this time.
Speaking about the arrest, Inspector Joe Rutherford, of Northumbria Police, said: “Firstly, I’d like to extend my thanks to the members of the public who snapped quickly and decisively into action.
“While we would not actively encourage members of the public to put themselves in harm’s way, there’s little doubt that the brave actions of these individuals helped to ensure the arrest of this suspect – and they should be incredibly proud of their actions.”
Insp Rutherford added: “As always, we’d ask motorists to take a minute to ensure that your car doors and windows are locked and that no valuables are left inside your vehicle. If you do need to leave valuables inside the vehicle, then please make sure they’re out of sight.
“Thieves often try the doors of every car on a particular street either during the night or the very early hours in the morning in the hope that they find one unlocked.”
He continued: “Our advice to the public is to ensure valuables are taken inside and keep keys away from the front door, but also take extra time to check windows and doors are locked, as thieves will still try doors even if no valuables are on show.
“If you are a victim of vehicle crime, then please report it to us. This helps us to build up a better idea of what is happening in your area so we can respond accordingly.”
If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your community, or have any information about local crime, you can report it using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on our website or by calling 101.
In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always ring 999
