PSNI arrest three after pursuit leads to discovery of ‘stolen mobiles’ worth £19,000

Police have arrested three people following an operation focused on retail crime during which a quantity of mobile phones valued at almost £19,000 was recovered.
By Valerie Martin
Published 15th Jul 2022, 12:41 BST
Updated 15th Jul 2022, 13:21 BST
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The PSNI’s Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Intercept Team were involved in the policing operation in Co Down on Thursday (July 14).

Inspector Michael Barton said: “The Intercept Team, assisted by Neighbourhood Policing Team officers from Newry, Mourne and Down, were conducting targeted patrols in the A1 area of Banbridge focused on retail crime. At around 4.30pm a suspicious vehicle was observed and kept under observation and monitored to the vicinity of a local retail park.

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“The driver became aware of police and a short pursuit ensued before being safely and efficiently brought to a controlled stop by the Intercept team a short distance away.

The ANPR Intercept Team’s operation on Thursday, July 14 resulted in three arrests and the recovery of mobile phones with an estimated value of almost £19,000. Picture: PSNIThe ANPR Intercept Team’s operation on Thursday, July 14 resulted in three arrests and the recovery of mobile phones with an estimated value of almost £19,000. Picture: PSNI
The ANPR Intercept Team’s operation on Thursday, July 14 resulted in three arrests and the recovery of mobile phones with an estimated value of almost £19,000. Picture: PSNI

“A large quantity of mobile phones was recovered during a search of the vehicle. Further enquiries have led us to believe that this discovery is linked to a theft which was reported from a nearby shop around the same time.

“At this stage, the value of the stolen phones is believed to be almost £19,000.

“Two women, aged in their twenties and late teens, and one man, aged in his twenties, were arrested on suspicion of a number of offences. They remain in custody, at this time, assisting with enquiries.”

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Insp Barton urged anyone who could assist police with their inquiries to come forward.

“Retailers of all sizes are at the heart of our community and our neighbourhoods. They provide critical services and much needed employment. Crimes against those businesses have a real impact on individuals (staff and consumers) and individual companies. They also damage the prosperity and wider perceptions of our communities, towns and cities.

“Our investigation is ongoing and I would appeal to anyone with information to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1245 of 14/7/22.”

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Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/