A wanted burglar is now behind bars after he was caught by officers while hiding in a children’s soft play area.
Fugitive Jack Conroy, 23, was wanted by police after stealing from The Range and three different branches of Heron Foods between September 2021 and March 2022.
Conroy managed to evade arrest until he was spotted in a play area on Princesway, Gateshead, by an off-duty officer who was on a day out with their family. Police were on the scene in just two minutes and found the suspect hiding on the top level of a climbing frame within a ball pit.
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Thanks to the work of the quick-thinking officer, Conroy, of Ellesmere Road, Newcastle, was arrested and taken into custody, where he was later charged with five counts of burglary and one count of theft. He pleaded guilty to the charges at Crown Court on Friday (January 27) and was sentenced to one year and five months in prison.
“Following outstanding work by our off-duty officer, Conroy, who was at the time one of the most wanted suspects in the force area, was apprehended and is now behind bars,” said Chief Inspector Dave Carruthers, of Northumbria Police.
“The officer’s actions that day show that they are never truly off-duty. Their colleagues were on the scene within minutes to arrest Conroy swiftly and safely with a minimum of disruption to members of the public.
“This also helped to start the process which has ultimately led to him being convicted for his crimes. This case should serve as a reminder to criminals that although you may try to evade capture, we will always be looking to chase you down and bring you to justice.”
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