Quick teamwork leads to arrests

Two teenagers were allegedly nabbed in the act of home burglary in Spencer Park on Monday after the quick action of a nearby neighbour led to a dramatic arrest unfolding in the street.

The actions of the neighbour drew plenty of praise from Albany police yesterday, who were able to apprehend a 17-year-old boy in the home and another juvenile in the next street after a short foot chase.

Three police cars were dispatched to the home just after midday on Monday after the neighbour heard suspicious noises and called police.

Fast-acting officers were close enough to reach the home within minutes before the dramatic arrest was seen by nearby residents in the quiet cul-de-sac.

Witnesses told the Albany Advertiser one teenager jumped from the roof of the two-storey home and jumped fences before he was arrested.

A third teenager escaped the grasp of police despite an extensive search of nearby bushland and police were yesterday hopeful of arresting the 16-year-old boy on suspicion of burglary.

Albany police officer in charge Senior Sergeant Grant Pollard confirmed the two 17-year-old boys were in custody, both charged with aggravated home burglary with intent.

Sen. Sgt Pollard had plenty of praise for the neighbour who acted quickly and smartly to allow police to apprehend the boys.

“First up, these arrests wouldn’t have been able to be made so quickly without the assistance of a member of the community who did exactly the right thing and called police,” he said.

“This allowed Albany police to attend immediately.

“It is always pleasing to arrest these types of offenders especially from home burglaries which have an ongoing ripple effect on homeowners and the surrounding community.”

Sen. Sgt Pollard described the work of his three officers as “exceptional” in an “all-round team effort”.

“It is very rare for a burglary to be reported while it is occurring thus giving us the opportunity to apprehend the offender while the burglary is being committed doesn’t happen too often,” he said.

The two alleged offenders will appear in Albany Magistrate’s Court at a later date.