Passerby's hunch leads to arrest following thefts in Cookstown

It is understood the PSNI received a call from a concerned citizen who “thought they saw something strange” at Orritor Road retail park and decided to report it.

That call to police led to the discovery that items had been stolen from two stores in the park.

Following enquiries, police said they visited two shops - that “hadn’t realised they had been victims of theft”.

CCTV footage later showed that “one camera was covered and staff were distracted while a female left the stores without paying for the items in her trolley”.

A number plate scribbled down by the passerby then led to the arrest of a woman in Belfast.

Police said: “This car was then tracked and traced to Belfast where it was stopped, searched and the female was arrested.

“Several items were seized during the search and she was brought to custody.

“We are continuing to investigate, but this just shows what people power can do!”

The thefts, from two business premises at Orritor Road retail park were reported on Friday, November 4.

A 39-year-old woman was later arrested on suspicion of theft and handling stolen goods.

She was later released on bail pending further police enquiries.