A police community support officer (PCOS) helped to arrest a suspect following a burglary at Hays Travel.
Police were alerted to a break in at the travel company in Sunderland city centre shortly after 10.15pm on Wednesday. Officers attended the scene within four minutes but the suspect was nowhere to be seen.
A PCSO, based in the city centre, jumped on his bike to help search the area and spotted a suspicious man in Keel Square carrying what appeared to be computer equipment.
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The suspect, 38, tried to make off but the PCSO caught up with him and detained him until back-up arrived.
Officers searched him and located more than 20 mobile phones in a carrier bag along with other technological equipment believed to have been stolen. The man was arrested and remains in police custody.
Sergeant Angela Lewis leads one of Northumbria Police’s dedicated burglary teams. She said: "This was an outstanding result and was only possible thanks to the brilliant ingenuity of the PCSO.
"Knowing he was able to cover a large amount of ground quickly, he jumped on his bike and immediately flagged when he saw an individual who roused suspicion half a mile away from where the burglary was committed.
"Upon searching the suspect, officers found and seized a large amount of technological goods which we believe were stolen from the business in question.
"I would like to thank everyone involved who helped us achieve a swift outcome, including the PCSO who showed an outstanding willingness to go above and beyond to protect the communities we serve."
She added: "Burglary is such an intrusive crime which can have a significant impact not only on residents and businesses, but the wider community as a whole.
"That’s why we have dedicated burglary teams across the force tasked with reviewing every break-in, pursuing suspects and working with colleagues to help prevent further offences from taking place."
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