Suspected burglar crashed into South Shields roundabout during dangerous police chase

Officers were called by a member of the public who had spotted a thief sat in the front seat of her car shortly after 5.30am on Saturday, February 27.

The victim realised the offender had broken into her Cleadon home and stolen her handbag and car keys and quickly fired up the ignition making off in her Skoda.

The suspect drove erratically at high speed and posed a serious risk to other road users.

Police were able to set up a stinger which successfully burst the car’s tyres on Nevinson Avenue, with the driver losing control and later crashing into a roundabout.

In a desperate last bid for freedom, an driver made off on foot – but it was only a matter of time before police found a 38-year-old suspect hiding in a nearby garden.

He was placed under arrest and has since been charged with eight offences – two counts of burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, failure to provide a specimen, driving without a licence, no insurance, common assault and a racially-aggravated public order offence.

Chief Inspector Nicola Wearing, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was a fast-moving incident which unfolded after a woman realised she had been the victim of a burglary and saw the offender sat in the front seat of her car.

“Officers from various different teams were deployed in a bid to bring the vehicle to a swift and safe stop – and that became of increasing importance due to the manner of the occupant’s driving.

“Thankfully, some great teamwork led to a stinger popping the car’s tyres – and within minutes we had our suspect placed in handcuffs and on his way into custody.

“This was an incident that posed a real and serious risk to the public, so we were absolutely delighted with the quick outcome with nobody injured. I would like to thank everyone involved – and a man is now due in court to answer a string of charges.”

He is due to appear before magistrates in South Tyneside on Monday, March 1.

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