Swift action leads to arrest following JCB theft in Middleton-In-Teesdale

A message to rural thieves… we’re watching you. 

Shortly after 6pm on Friday (August 16), reports came into our control room that a JCB telehandler had been stolen from the Middleton-In-Teesdale area.

Upon receiving the theft report, our communications team quickly engaged with our Rural Watch groups via WhatsApp, calling on them to help be on the lookout for the stolen vehicle.

Not long after the alert, a vigilant Rural Watch member spotted the stolen JCB heading towards the Bishop Auckland area. The tip-off was swiftly relayed to officers from our Durham Roads & Armed Policing Unit, who quickly moved to intercept the vehicle.

Realising he was being pursued, the suspect abandoned the JCB and attempted to escape on foot.

However, with assistance from the National Police Air Service (NPAS) team, our eyes in the sky managed to track his every move, meaning the suspect – a man in his 20s, was quickly detained and arrested.

The JCB was later safely returned to its owner.

Inspector Mike Sammut said: “This incident highlights the power of partnership working under the Rurali initiative. The swift action of the local community and the prompt reporting of the incident enabled officers to respond rapidly and apprehend the suspect.

“This serves as a clear warning to those who think they can commit crimes in our rural areas – we are all watching, and you will be caught.”

The Rurali initiative is a network of people in remote areas who report suspicious incidents and share intelligence with police in a bid to reduce and prevent crime.

If you live, work or visit rural communities you are our eyes and ears. You can help by joining our network of people who are dedicated to making our community safer.