A man has been charged after officers intervened in a burglary in progress at a building site in Barnham. The incident took place in the early hours of Tuesday, July 4, when police responded to reports of a small crane being stolen on Yapton Road.
Upon arrival, responding units were deployed to nearby cash machines and unexpectedly encountered a crane attempting to steal an ATM from a supermarket on Barnham Road. Quick action from the officers led to the apprehension and arrest of a man at the scene, following a brief foot chase.
The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Alfie Smith from Staines Road West, Ashford, Middlesex, has been charged with burglary with intent to steal and aggravated vehicle taking. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before the court on August 2.
In connection with the incident, a 37-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary. He has been released on conditional bail while further investigations are conducted.
Authorities are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who possesses information or footage that could aid the investigation, to come forward. They can contact the police online or via the non-emergency number 101, quoting serial number 1624 of July 3.
