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Posted on Friday 26 November 2021
Checkpoint
Twelve minutes from report to arrest.

Two men have been charged with a number of offences following their arrest during a crackdown on rural crime this week.

Officer received a report of two suspects fleeing the scene of a burglary at a farm in the Witton Gilbert area at 08.46 on Tuesday morning (November 23).

One of the men was reported to have threatened their victim with a screwdriver before making off across farmland.

By 08.58, just 12 minutes later, two suspects had been detained.

A man in his 40s from Beamish and a man in his 30s from Gateshead were both arrested and each charged with two counts of burglary and two counts of theft from a motor vehicle.

They were remanded into custody to appear at Durham Crown Court on December 23.

Inspector Dave Clarke, of Durham City Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Our officers’ response to this report was quick, efficient, and has ultimately resulted in a number of charges being brought against the offenders. 

“It is a clear demonstration that we take rural crime very seriously and will take firm action against those who commit such offences.”

The arrests coincide with Operation Checkpoint, a multi-force operation targeting rural crime which took place on Wednesday night.

Consett Neighbourhood Policing Team stopped one vehicle containing four men as well as dogs, rabbits and lamping equipment after they were tracked by colleagues in Cleveland into our area.

Another three men with links to rural crime and drugs were stopped after Rural Watch volunteers reported their vehicle acting suspiciously in Wolsingham Market Place.

The driver reported for having no license and the vehicle was also seized under Op Takeaway.

Inspector Ed Turner, who led the operation, said: “Operation Checkpoint is just one of the tactics we use to catch criminals who think they can target our rural communities.

“It is always great to see our communities and officers coming together – particularly through the Rural Watch scheme – to send out the clear message that we will not tolerate rural crime.”

Rural Watch comprises of representatives from Farm Watch, Neighbourhood Watch, WhatsApp alliances and community-spirited individuals in the area which is co-ordinated by a Board of Rural Watch Trustees.

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

To become a member of the scheme please email chairman Clement O'Donovan at clemdot@btinternet.com or PCSO Liz Finn at Elizabeth.finn@durham.police.uk with the following information:

  • name
  • address
  • contact telephone details
  • email address

For more information visit Rural crime (durham.police.uk)

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