Have-a-go neighbours tackle burglar
Date published: 31 July 2015
Neighbours on a Chadderton street have revealed how they wrestled a suspected thief to the floor after catching him in their gardens, despite fearing he had a knife.
The group of three have-a-go heroes chased the man through rear gardens in Houseley Avenue before catching him in the early hours of yesterday.
The trio kept the suspected burglar - already wanted for theft and for recall to prison - detained until officers arrived minutes later.
One of the men involved said: “It all happened so fast. I was woken up by shouting in the street. I realised someone had spotted a thief who was trying to get away. I didn’t even think; I just jumped into action. A few of us chased him through the gardens and caught him.”
The suspect, who was carrying a screwdriver, was eventially taken away by police.
The men were praised by fellow residents of the street for their bravery.
One said: “It’s good to see neighbours looking out for each other and they got the job done. They deserve a thank-you for risking themselves.”
A 38-year-old man has been charged with going equipped to steal, four counts of theft, causing actual bodily harm, possessing an offensive weapon, possession of a knife in a public place and theft from a shop. He was due to appear before Oldham magistrates today.
Most Viewed News Stories
- 1The 39 schools in Greater Manchester to get vital repairs - including 10 in Oldham
- 2Dove Stone partnership offers vital advice to visitors ahead of Easter break
- 3Oldham mourns passing of Mayoress at the age of 45
- 4Isaan contingent shine in Thailand
- 5“The Bee Network has landed” for half of Greater Manchester following the launch at Oldham...