Nice job... well done boys

[Saitek]

First-time flyer in police chase
A 26-year-old flying student got a lesson to remember when he ended up helping to chase suspected caravan thieves along a Northumberland road.

It was Mark Blake's first time in the cockpit of a microlight aircraft, alongside instructor Steve Clarehugh.
As they were taking off from Eshott Airfield near Felton, pilot Mr Clarehugh spotted his neighbour's caravan being taken and gave chase.
Three people were arrested in Morpeth and a woman was cautioned.

Mr Clarehugh and his student, who were flying in a Pegasus Quik microlight, shadowed the caravan being towed by a van from 1,500ft in the air down the A1.
They tipped off police who met the suspects with four patrol cars.

A police spokesman confirmed that three arrests were made following the chase on Saturday including a 57-year-old woman who was cautioned for handling stolen goods.
No further action was taken against two men aged 34 and 32, but the inquiry is continuing, police said.
Mr Clarehugh said: "It was very exciting - we had such a fantastic view of what was happening from up where we were. They had no idea we were tracking them.

"The student pilot I was with, and myself, just screamed with pleasure."

Chief Supt Graham Pears, area commander for Northumberland, said: "Clearly the assistance given by Mr Clarehugh and Mr Blake was excellent and they are to be commended for their actions which led to three people being arrested and the caravan being recovered by police."

The caravan was returned undamaged to its owner.

[Craig.]

do you get the lesson free for catching the suspects?

[Saitek]

Bet he has a nice story to tell his grandchildren. If I was his neighbour I'd pay for him to have a lesson. great he got it back unscathed.

[Hagar]

If they were caught red-handed what more investigation do they need?

A police spokesman confirmed that three arrests were made following the chase on Saturday including a 57-year-old woman who was cautioned for handling stolen goods.
No further action was taken against two men aged 34 and 32, but the inquiry is continuing, police said.

[Craig.]

no differant to the woman who backed into my moms car, Doug. There was green paint all over the front wing, the car that hit ours is green, it has a dent in the side of it, with black paint and scratches along the back of it. Yet the police say they cant prove anything so wont do anything. Wow, some mighty fine investigating there. Glad to know we dont need Sherlock Holmes in todays modern world
All the evidence right infront of them and they couldn't catch a cold.

[igs942]

Surely the local police force can save a few pennies next time they need a copper chopper and just order a few microlights

[Saitek]

I may consider joining the police force if they did that!

[Chris_F]

If they were caught red-handed what more investigation do they need?

First they have to figure out how politically influential the thieves are.  Then they have to figure out if anyone who's politically influential is friends with these theves.  Then they have to figure out if they like or dislike the owner of the caravan.  Once that's all straightened out then they'll decide if there is "enough evidence" to arrest and charge the thieves.

At least that was the way things worked in the small town where I used to live.

Of course if these thieves were also minorities it would be pretty much automatic, no need for evidence at all really...

[Skligmund]

How do you tow a 208 without removing the wings down a road???


lol, you know that was a joke.... I hope....

[Craig.]

hen they have to figure out if they like or dislike the owner of the caravan.

No one likes caravan owners

[Woodlouse2002]

In actual fact the police were probably pissed off that someone had actually caught the thieves in the act which meant they actually had to leave the station. I mean, actually arresting someone would be so much effort.

I mean, speeding down roads with the flashing lights and woo woo's is all great fun. However the administrative and paper work required should you actually dare arrest someone....

[igs942]

I do sometimes wonder if I am getting value for my taxes when I hear on the radio 'A head has been found in a suitcase in the canal. Police are treating it as suspicious.....'

Things like this make you say to yourself 'Yes they are' when you see the 'POLICE  SLOW' road signs.