A PARTNERSHIP between the police and the public led to the arrest of a serial car thief and commendations from the Mayor of Wakefield yesterday.
Coun Don Hitchins and divisional commander Chief Supt Tim Moorby presented certificates of commendation to 11 people involved in the arrest of a 40-year-old man during a ceremony at the Ridings Shopping Centre in Wakefield where the thief was caught.
Timothy Alcock was arrested at the Ridings Shopping Centre in Wakefield with a set of duplicate car keys that he had been using to break into cars.
He was sentenced to four months in prison at Huddersfield magistrates court in June.
The alarm was raised by parking attendant Mark Williams, who recognised the thief from pictures circulated by Acting Sgt Phil Leather.
Security officer Mick Place followed him as he left the shopping centre and liaised with CCTV operators Val Brook and Gareth Waterson using radio.
PC Abi McMahon in the CCTV control room used the radios to guide PCs Simon Cardus and Mark Beattie to Alcock, who was arrested in the car park.
A search of his home by the latter two PCs and PC Ian Vaughen revealed more stolen property, including some children’s presents taken from a parked car.
Alcock was interviewed by DCs Stuart Smith and Mark Wilson.
Mr Moorby said: “This is an excellent example of partnership working.
“There’s been a noticeable drop in the amount
of car crime reported in the area since this conviction.”