Three suspects fleeing a burglary scene in Wealden were intercepted and arrested by three new police officer recruits who were just three days into their new jobs in East Sussex.
The recruit police constables were out with their coach on June 21 on rural crime patrol when they heard that three burglary suspects had made off at speed in a getaway car from the Chiddingly and Horam area after the homeowner had disturbed them.
Recruit PC Alex Criddle was in a vehicle with fellow recruits Charlie Ware and James Marchant – accompanied by one of their coaches, PC Betteridge – at the start of their first night shift.
“When we heard the description of the suspects and vehicle via our radio, we were actually on directed patrol in Wealden, focusing on rural burglaries and drug activity,” said Alex, a former M&S retail manager. “We could tell the wanted vehicle car was in the Hailsham and Hellingly area as it was triggering ANPR cameras.
“Having good local knowledge, I was able to plan where we could intercept the vehicle, and we got eyes on the car in Hailsham, dropping off one of the suspects – who PC Betteridge recognised. The vehicle sped off, but next time we found it, we managed to box it in. PC Ware and PC Marchant arrested the two occupants while I carried out a search.
“I found a lock knife, so I made my first arrest – the driver’s second – for possession of an offensive weapon. I found the training just kicked in and I felt calm and confident. PC Betteridge was there to support us throughout.
“Once other officers arrived to help get the suspects into custody, we returned to the address where the third suspect had jumped out – and I made my second arrest, on suspicion of burglary.
“At the end of that shift I felt very proud we had potentially taken three burglars off the streets of Sussex that night. The three suspects have been released under investigation.”
“In my previous job in retail management in Eastbourne, I did a lot of work tackling shoplifters, and worked with the police to report and deal with repeat offenders.”
“Now I am really enjoying going out each day, getting hands-on, helping our communities.”
