Car theft: Teenagers arrested

The trio were detained after Strand Road Local Policing Team 5 responded to reports of suspicious and unusual activity from the public.

Chief Inspector Alan Hutton said: “At around 7.25am this morning a resident in Rossnagalliagh reported his car, a yellow Citreon DS3, had been stolen from outside his address at some point during the night.

“Around two hours later officers received a report that an abandoned car was blocking the driveway of a family home in Ballynagard Crescent. It was noted that the vehicle description matched that of the stolen car.

“While responding to the report of the abandoned vehicle, the Policing Team were made aware of another call describing a suspicious vehicle with a number of males on board being driven in the same area.

“The crew stopped the vehicle and, during a search of the teenaged occupants, officers recovered a set of Citreon keys. The three males, two aged 15 and a 14 year old, were subsequently arrested on suspicion of taking and driving away, and a number of driving offences.

“As police officers we often talk about the importance of community information. Instances like this emphasise just how effective this information sharing can be.

“Members of the public reporting their concerns to police enabled the Policing Team to respond in live time, make good arrests and recover a stolen vehicle for a very relieved owner.

“It is really important to me that people feel they can contact their local police anytime to report concerns. Do not be reluctant to pick up the phone and let us know about any suspicious individuals or activity in your area. Local knowledge and information is vital in shaping how we respond to and tackle issues affecting communities.

“Experience has taught us that the concern that a resident wasn’t even going to mention can often be the thing that enables us to identify positive investigative opportunities, identify offenders and can ultimately help make the wider Foyle area a safer place for all of us.”