In a dramatic incident in Birmingham city centre, a suspected cable thief was apprehended as he emerged from an underground location, following reports from vigilant members of the public. West Midlands Police confirmed that officers were alerted to the scene on Great Charles Queensway at approximately 7.30pm on Tuesday, where a group of men were allegedly attempting to steal cables.
Police Response and Arrests
Upon arrival, officers swiftly took action, resulting in the arrest of two men on suspicion of theft. A van containing cables was also recovered during the operation, highlighting the scale of the alleged criminal activity. The police force detailed that the suspects were intercepted as they tried to carry out the theft, with the public's assistance proving crucial in the initial detection.
Underground Suspect Apprehended
Further investigation revealed that a third suspect was hiding underground. With the aid of a police dog named Riot, officers managed to encourage the individual to climb a ladder back to street level, where he was promptly arrested on suspicion of theft. Video footage released by the police captures this moment, showing the suspect being guided to the surface and taken into custody.
The three men, aged 48, 45, and 37, remained in police custody as of Wednesday, pending further inquiries. Det Supt Dave Sproson of Birmingham Police praised the coordinated effort, stating, "This was a fantastic response from our firearms, dogs, and Birmingham officers, in bringing three suspects into custody quickly." He emphasised the importance of community vigilance in combating such crimes.
Impact and Community Role
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of cable theft in urban areas, which can disrupt infrastructure and pose safety risks. The quick response by West Midlands Police, involving multiple units, demonstrates their commitment to addressing property crimes and ensuring public safety in Birmingham. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activities to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
