Man arrested after reports a cheeky vehicle intruder helped himself to cans of Skol from car in South Shields street

Police were scrambled to South Woodbine Street in South Shields after a concerned woman reported she could see a man sitting in the front seat of her car.

Officers were at the scene within minutes of receiving the call in the early hours of Thursday, April 15.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said by 1.25am, just five minutes after the 999 call had come in, officers had arrived at the scene and located a 43-year-old man who matched the description of the offender given by the victim.

He was arrested on suspicion of vehicle interference and remains in police custody.

Police said four cans of Skol lager had been taken from the car.

Inspector David Stobbs, of Northumbria Police, praised the work of the officers involved.

He said: “This was a fantastic response by officers who were able to act quickly and decisively following the victim’s call.

“They were on the scene within five minutes, and thanks to the level of detail passed on by the victim, we were able to search the area and successfully apprehend a suspect.

“He will be interviewed during the course of the day, and this incident once again showcases the benefit of picking up the phone and reporting any suspicious activity to us.

“The public are our eyes and ears in the community – and by working together, we can continue to ensure thieves and burglars are stopped, detained and brought to justice.”

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