Man arrested after Darlington car theft

Just a casual morning in control room.

It’s 7.10am and a call comes in to report that a car has been stolen in Darlington.

Within minutes, our control room team is on it. Quick thinking and teamwork mean the stolen vehicle is picked up on ANPR leaving the town and a pursuit is authorised.

The car is soon sighted on the A1(M) heading towards Leeds. That’s when our colleagues at North Yorkshire Police swing into action.

With careful coordination across both forces, a TPAC tactic is carried out (surrounding the pursued vehicle with police vehicles to gradually slow it down) and the vehicle is safely brought to a stop.

The driver, a 40-year-old male, was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, failing to provide a sample of breath, driving whilst unfit, and driving with no insurance.

They were taken into North Yorkshire custody before being transported back to the cells in County Durham.

It took just 35 minutes from receiving the initial call that the car was recovered and the suspect taken into custody – a great result for all involved.

With the dark nights now drawing in, remember to keep your doors, windows, outbuildings and vehicles locked to prevent opportunist thieves from targeting you.

Report any unusual behaviour to us via 101 or 999 in an emergency.

#ControlRoomWeek