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10 of Northumbria’s most elusive burglar suspects arrested
Northumbria has become a safer place thanks to a three-day strike blitz that led to some of the area’s top burglar suspects arrested.
A dedicated taskforce executed coordinated warrants across Sunderland and South Tyneside last week to track down the burglary targets.
Officers drew up a shortlist of their most wanted burglary suspects who were each believed to be attempting to stay under the radar and were evading arrest.
But their hopes of remaining off-grid were dashed as officers from the neighbourhood support team (NST) carried out dawn strikes at over a dozen homes – including in Sunderland city centre, Ryhope, Downhill, Houghton and South Shields.
A total of 10 suspects were arrested during the raids between Wednesday and Friday last week.
Eight men and one woman were detained after being wanted in connection with ongoing burglary investigations, while a further male was arrested on suspicion of robbery and breaching a restraining order.
A significant drug farm was also located and dismantled as part of the warrants (Credit: Northumbria Police)
A significant drug farm was also located and dismantled as part of the warrants.
Detective Inspector Lee Underwood, who oversaw the strikes, said: “This was a fantastic result after a huge amount of planning and hard work. To get hold of 10 of our top targets all within a 72-hour period was a top outcome and I’d like to thank everyone involved.
“Burglary is such an intrusive crime and it is not only the victims and their families who can be affected. Crimes like this also has a corrosive impact on the wider community who can be made to feel anxious in their own home.
“That’s why we have a dedicated burglary team based at Southwick Police Station tasked with reviewing every single break-in across Sunderland and South Tyneside, as well as pursuing perpetrators and reviewing crime trends across the region.
“These raids were the result of their fantastic work, as well as our NST officers who executed the warrants – acting swiftly and decisively to track down the suspects and seize vital intelligence at the addresses searched.
“We will continue to do everything we can to detect and disrupt criminal activity in our area, and ensure those individuals who do look to prey on others are rightly brought to justice.”
While executing one of the warrants in Sunderland city centre, officers also came across a significant cannabis farm with more than 100 plants at various stages of growth.
The drugs were seized and the farm dismantled – with enquiries ongoing into the discovery.
Of those arrested, four men are due to appear in court – one charged with attempted burglary, a second charged with robbery and breach of a restraining order, a third charged with criminal damage and a fourth in connection with breach of an order.
Four men were released on police bail and another man remains under investigation. One woman arrested has been eliminated from police enquiries.
Det Insp Underwood added: “This operation was not a one-off, and we have various activity lined up over the coming weeks to ensure the North East remains as safe as it possibly can be.
“I would like to thank the public for their continued support and would always encourage anybody who has been a victim of crime, or who is concerned about suspected criminality in their community, to contact us.”
Anyone who sees anything suspicious or wants to report a crime is asked to do so by contacting police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website or by calling 101.
In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always ring 999.
Newcastle United boss wants to extend the contracts of two players before losing them.
Eddie Howe has expressed in a recent fan Q&A his intentions to keep two out of contract players this summer, Loris Karius and Paul Dummett, according to the Athletic’s Chris Waugh, with both players current contracts set to end this summer.
6 players are currently set to become out of contract come June 1st, Loris Karius, Paul Dummet, Mark Gillespie, Matt Ritchie, Matty Longstaff and Ciaran Clark. However, it is only Karius and Dummett that appear to be safe of getting the chop.
Loris Karius has spent this season as Newcastle United’s third choice keeper, with only one appearance coming in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup Final. Despite the loss, Karius did little wrong and contributed some wonderful saves late on in that game.
Paul Dummett has had the same treatment, with only one appearance coming his way, a Carabao Cup tie in the second round against Tranmere Rovers back in August. The 31-year-old Welshman is an experienced head and will no doubt have great respect within the dressing room having signed for the club back in 2012 making 205 appearances in that time.
Both players can expect new contracts from Eddie Howe as he has made it known that he wants them both to remain at the club next season.
Who would you want to remain at the club from the current out of contract list – let us know on our social media and follow us for latest North East Updates –https://linktr.ee/northeastupdates
10 players Eddie Howe could look towards with contracts expiring at the end of this season.
The free agent’s market is the absolute cheat code for clubs across the board, being able to avoid the rising transfer fees and getting players through the door through verbal agreements makes life much easier for clubs during the transfer window.
We have compiled a list of 10 free transfers NUFC could sign this summer from Europe’s top five leagues giving them a rating of the potential of them signing and the impact they would have.
- Raphael Guerreiro (Borussia Dortmund)
The 29-year-old full back has his contract expiring this summer and with NUFC already being hinted at as his potential new club, this one is worth keeping an eye on over the next few months. He would slot straight in at left-back to have healthy competition for fan favourite Dan Burn and add a burst of class and pace to that left hand side. The Portugal international already has an impressive CV and would be looking to show that off to the St. James faithful.
Potential – A
Impact – A
- Yerry Mina (Everton)
With Everton potentially facing the drop this season, a jump from Merseyside to Newcastle could suit the centre back to a T. The 28-year-old Columbian international would add to NUFC’s already in form back line and bring some South American heat as they look to progress further next season. Mina possesses dominance, aggression, and a great ariel threat and would be a top addition to the magpies this summer.
Potential – B
Impact – A
- Jonathan Bamba (Lille)
An explosive winger who made his name known as Lille snatched the league title in 2021 in France, the 26-year-old is still yet to receive a contract extension from the club and could be looking elsewhere in the summer. Adding pace, flair, and drive to an already exciting front three for NUFC could be what fans need going into next season.
Potential – C
Impact – A
- Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)
Reportedly being close to leaving in the summer window of 2022, Youri Tielemans would be a fine addition to NUFC’s midfield being able to operate in a slightly deeper role to allow Bruno to push further up the field and do what he does best. The 25-year-old has his contract expiring this summer and with him and James Maddison already being linked to the club, this transfer seems to make so much more sense and would add heaps of quality to the centre of the field.
Potential – B
Impact – A
- Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
Drive, power, and flair are the 3 best words to describe Crystal Palace star man Wilfried Zaha. The 30-year-old could be looking to depart his beloved club in the hope for European football next season and NUFC could be just the place for him. Being able to operate either on the left or down the middle, Zaha would thrive under Eddie Howe and be a fantastic addition to the front line.
Potential – B
Impact – A
A Sunderland football player on loan to Lincoln FC has had his loan terminated after he was charged with rape.
Jack Diamond, 23, had been arrested after a sexual assault in Washington, Tyne and Wear, last year.
Northumbria Police launched an investigation, but have now charged him with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault.
Lincoln City FC said the player’s loan contract had been terminated “with immediate effect”.
His home club, Sunderland AFC, said he had been suspended pending the outcome of legal proceedings.
In a statement, it said: “Sunderland AFC has been notified that criminal charges have been brought against Jack Diamond by the Crown Prosecution Service.”
“As this matter is subject to a legal process, the club will not be making any further statement at this time”.
The incident is alleged to have happened in May last year.
Mr Diamond, of Fatfield, also Washington, is due to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court in May.
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