Drone catches attempted burglars in the act

Criminals who had travelled from Liverpool to break into a business premises in Darlington were caught in the act thanks to the quick-thinking actions of officers.

Police received a call at 11.33pm on Friday, December 5 reporting that three people in balaclavas were trying to break into a family business on Chesnut Street.

The trio had climbed onto the roof and were attempting to use power tools to break in.

Officers attended on an immediate response and by 11.47pm had the first suspect – 47-year-old Michael Anderson - in handcuffs.

Drone pilot, PC Dannilee Barker, then deployed the drone and used its thermal imaging capabilities to locate the other two suspects – 48-year-old Kevin McTigue and 40-year-old Kevin Caveney - who had tried to hide in between pallets.

The pair were arrested and brought into custody where, alongside Anderson, they were charged with attempted burglary, which they all admitted at court.

The owner of the business has since written to the attending officers who were first on scene praising them for actions.

They said: “These four ladies (PCs Charlton, Allison, Morgan, and Wardman) did an outstanding job leading to the arrest of three suspects, and made the first arrest before backup arrived.

“On arrival, they hit the ground running, supporting and being assisted by our on-site staff.

“They showed total commitment, climbing over walls and over roofs to flush out the suspects, and are a credit to the force.” 

Chief Inspector Rachel Hills, from Durham Constabulary, added: “This was a brilliant piece of work by our response officers and drone pilot who worked together to swiftly locate and arrest three suspects who were intent on causing harm to our community.

“Once in custody, the case was picked up by our Prisoner Handling Team who helped to interview the suspects and gather evidence, resulting in charges and guilty pleas for the three suspects.

“We will not tolerate these crimes in our area and will work tirelessly to arrest, charge, and bring offenders before the courts.”

Anderson, of Barford Road, Hunts Cross, Liverpool, was jailed for 40 weeks when he appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Monday, December 8.

McTigue, of Clough Road, Liverpool, and Caveney, of Cassley Road, Liverpool, both appeared at the same court yesterday (January 5) for sentencing.

Magistrates handed the pair community orders requiring them to complete 150 hours of unpaid work. They must also wear an electronic tag to monitor their whereabouts.