[A] police officer who chased down a metal thief – then arrested his co-offenders – has been commended for his actions.
Police Constable John Spriggs attended an address in Eden Grove school (Bolton, near Appleby) following reports of noise coming from the area of a building not currently in use.
A man was discovered in the process of stealing metal. The suspected thief then ran, with PC Spriggs setting off in pursuit whilst calling for assistance.
The chase saw the suspect jump into a river via a bridge in an attempt to evade capture. However, PC Spriggs relentlessly continued his pursuit, entering the river himself as he attempted to catch up to the suspect.
Despite injuring his knee, PC Spriggs refused to give up and eventually detained the man, following a struggle. The officer then had to drag the suspect up a steep embankment before returning him to his police vehicle and securing him for transportation to Carlisle custody.
Whilst on route, the Police Constable spotted a vehicle he suspected of being involved in the offence. He followed whilst using his police vehicle radio – his own had ceased to work due to water damage – to call for assistance.
However, when the vehicle stopped at a garage, PC Spriggs took the opportunity to move in alone, arresting and detaining both of those inside the vehicle.
All three men were subsequently charged with offences.
Sergeant Matthew Lowry said: “Police Constable Spriggs’ actions are a credit to the Constabulary. He went above and beyond in his efforts to secure and arrest the suspected metal thief and, not satisfied with that, was then able to make two further arrests thanks to his diligence and professionalism.
“Dedicated police officers like Police Constable Spriggs are a credit to the Constabulary.”
