Coronavirus lockdown helps Northumbria Police arrest over 360 of the North East’s ‘most wanted’ fugitives

Northumbria Police have announced today (Monday, June 8) that the coronavirus lockdown has helped them track down and arrest the North East’s “most wanted” fugitives.

There have been 367 arrests made since April 15 including suspected burglars, armed robbers, fraudsters, stalkers and many who have been accused of serious assaults.

Police chiefs say the restrictions which were put in place gave officers an increased opportunity to focus on “high risk” targets with stay-at-home rules meaning police could target addresses.

A reduction in traffic levels also allowed police to track vehicles used by those on their “most wanted” list.

Assistant Chief Constable Scott Hall reassured the public that the North East remained one of the safest places in the country.

He said: “This has been an incredibly difficult time for all of our communities that has seen us having to adapt to life amid a global pandemic.

“But it has also been an opportunity for us as a police force to protect the public in other ways, including an increased capacity to continue our focus on arresting high risk offenders.

“The stay-at-home restrictions have been a struggle but it has allowed us to target those suspected of causing the most harm in our community.”

Mr Hall also praised the police for their work during the coronavirus lockdown.

He added: “I want to thank officers across the region, from Berwick down to Sunderland, who have been involved in this activity.”

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