'Getaway vehicle' stopped on M25 after high-value theft in Worthing

Sussex Police said officers were ‘informed of a high-value theft’ – at the Tesco store in Durrington – on the morning of Thursday, April 9. It happened around 8.10am.

Police said electric toothbrushes, baby monitors, and electric shavers were among the items stolen.

A police statement – on Tuesday, April 14 – added: "A silver Renault Megane was identified as the getaway vehicle, and officers from the Surrey Roads Policing Unit safely stopped it on the M25 later that day.

“Officers found items linked to the theft in Worthing, as well as other suspected stolen items worth thousands of pounds in the vehicle.”

Police said two men, aged 19 and 22, were arrested on ‘suspicion of shop theft and handling stolen goods’.

The suspects – from Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire – were ‘bailed with conditions, pending further enquiries’, police confirmed.

Worthing District Commander James Davidson said: “We understand the public’s concern about shop theft and the impact it has on businesses and for our community.

“Thanks to the excellent professionalism and teamwork from our Surrey Police colleagues, both suspects were safely detained and brought back to custody in Sussex for interview.

“Tackling shoplifting is a priority for us, and we have seen a significant reduction in the number of incidents in Worthing in recent months.

"We are catching and prosecuting thieves and targeting the most prolific offenders through Operation Apprentice. It shows the determination and hard work of officers and our partners to tackle crime and keep people safe in Worthing.”