Thief sentenced after being apprehended by the Proactive Team
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A thief who stole grills from a BMW during a Middlesbrough football match was apprehended by officers from the Proactive Team before the final whistle.
Officers were carrying out proactive patrols on 11th November around Middlesbrough’s football ground when they stopped Carl Crook’s vehicle and recovered a number of stolen items.
The 40-year-old was subsequently arrested on Tower Green while the match was still ongoing and he appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Friday 15th December for sentencing.
At court, Crook, of Ellerby Green in Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to theft from a motor vehicle and he was handed a 12-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £600 in compensation.
Proactive Team Sergeant John Sproson said: “Thanks to the swift actions of our officers, stolen items were recovered and Carl Crook was on his way to custody all before the end of the match.
“We will continue to carry out proactive patrols on match days not only to keep people safe but to protect people’s property and vehicles while also deterring criminals.
“We would remind people not to leave valuables in sight and remain vigilant. If you see any suspicious activity, please call us on 101.”