Police have apprehended a suspected thief following a spate of car crime, and are asking for residents' help to bring those responsible to justice.

Officers from Northumbria Police have launched an investigation following a number of reported incidents in the early hours of Sunday (January 22) morning.

Shortly after 1am, police were alerted to two men trying to break into parked vehicles in the Staple Court area of Backworth, North Tyneside.

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Police rushed to the scene and tracked down one suspect who attempted to make off on foot.

The 35-year-old man, who was caught after a short foot chase, was arrested on suspicion of vehicle interference and remains in police custody.

Incidents were also reported in the Shrewsbury Drive, Bluestone Court and Rosebay Close areas of Backworth, as well as Charles Avenue in Shiremoor.

Officers are now appealing to residents to check CCTV and doorbell cameras for any suspicious activity in the early hours of Sunday, as it could help them hold those involved responsible.

Inspector Andrew Doyle, of Northumbria Police, said: “We will not tolerate this criminality and a full investigation has been launched into these reported thefts.

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“After we were first made aware of the incident on Staple Court, we were able to deploy officers to the area within minutes and they were able to quickly track one suspect who we believe to have been involved.

“He was placed in handcuffs and is assisting us with our investigation – while enquiries are ongoing to trace anybody else suspected to have been involved.

“I am today asking anyone living in the Backworth and Shiremoor areas to assist our investigation. Please check your CCTV or doorbell cameras and let us know if you see anybody acting suspiciously in the area during the early hours.

“If so, we want to hear about it – and your information could be key in helping us bring those involved to justice.

“Officers are carrying out increased patrols in the area and we are committed to using every tactic at our disposal in order to pursue perpetrators and prevent this type of crime.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20230122-0068.

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