AN OFF-duty police inspector abandoned his weekend chores to arrest a shoplifter.

Dave Coxon, the new neighbourhood inspector for Durham City, was buying a few essentials on Sunday afternoon (December 7) when he spotted a woman allegedly putting goods into her bag in Sainsbury’s, in Gilesgate, Durham City.

Insp Coxon left his car to arrest the woman, who has been charged with theft.

The eagle-eyed 44-year-old said: “We’re always on the lookout. I’m not the only person that’s done this.

“I’m passionate about the area. I’m not always out there looking for offending but if I see something happening I’ll step in and intervene.”