A SUSPECTED burglar was swiftly detained after police worked with the council’s CCTV operators following a museum raid.

Shortly before 8am yesterday officers received a report of a break-in at Sunderland Museum on Burdon Road.

It was reported that a door near the Winter Gardens had been smashed.

No access had been gained to the main part of the museum and nothing was believed to have been taken.

Police were deployed to the scene, and after working hand-in-hand with Sunderland City Council’s CCTV operators, a man was seen acting suspiciously walking away from the scene just minutes after the reported break-in.

The eyes in the sky followed the man’s movements and guided officers to his location – and a 30-year-old was placed under arrest on suspicion of burglary.

Today Chief Inspector Steve Tallentire has praised the actions of everyone involved and believes it was an excellent example of partnership working.

“The council’s CCTV suite is an important part of the partnership work we adopt across Sunderland to help keep our communities safe,” Ch Insp Tallentire said.

“We work hand-in-hand with the CCTV operators every single day in order to monitor any problems with anti-social behaviour, look after the most vulnerable in our night-time economy and - as evident in this case – to help track and detain suspected criminals.

“This was a great example of police and the council sharing intelligence provided by the camera footage which allowed us to swiftly locate a suspect just moments after a break-in.

“I would like to praise everyone involved and we will be using every tactic at our disposal to ensure anyone found responsible is brought to justice.

“This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable, and it is even more disappointing that crimes such as this are committed at a time when the city continues to pull together.”

Councillor Linda Williams, Cabinet Member for Vibrant City at Sunderland City Council, condemned the burglary and warned such "mindless acts" will not be tolerated.

She said: “It is saddening to see a public building that is loved by so many targeted in this way, especially at a time when so many cultural venues have only recently reopened after a difficult few months.

“This was completely unacceptable, but thanks to our security partnership with the police, and a strong CCTV network throughout the city centre, this break in was identified and an arrest was made.

“The safety and security of our community is a top priority and these mindless acts will not be tolerated.”

The man arrested was interviewed by officers and has been released on bail. Enquiries are ongoing into the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on Northumbria Police's website or by calling 101 quoting log 129 290920.