Two suspected burglars were dramatically arrested in Weymouth yesterday afternoon after police caught them allegedly in the act inside a property in Corscombe Close.
Officers descended on the area following reports from vigilant local residents who saw two men climbing onto a balcony and entering a flat during the middle of the afternoon. Concerned witnesses immediately alerted police and kept watch on the address while officers raced to the scene.
According to Dorset Police, officers arrived within minutes and discovered both suspects still inside the property allegedly carrying out the burglary.
One of the men attempted to flee through the front door but was swiftly detained by officers outside the address. The second suspect allegedly tried to make a desperate escape through a window and over the balcony, but police managed to stop him before he could get away.
Police say both men were found in possession of several high-value items believed to have been taken from the property. Officers said the haul would have represented a significant financial and emotional loss for the victim had the suspects escaped.
Both males were arrested on suspicion of burglary and have since been charged and remanded to appear before court this morning.
A spokesperson said tackling burglary remains a major priority for neighbourhood policing teams due to the devastating impact these crimes can have on victims.
The spokesperson added: “We understand the upset and distress it causes to victims when individuals break into their own personal space. We will continue to follow up with the victim to provide reassurance and future crime prevention advice.”
Police also praised the actions of local residents whose quick thinking and attention to suspicious behaviour played a key role in the arrests.
“We would like to extend our thanks to the diligent residents who called us, kept a close eye on the address before police arrived and assisted with our enquiries,” the spokesperson said.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of communities remaining alert and reporting suspicious activity promptly, with officers crediting the rapid emergency calls for helping prevent what could have been a costly and distressing burglary.
