Shop vandal walks right into the arms of the law

The youth smashed a window at 24 Self Video, in Hightown, and caused £750 damage at 1.50am on Thursday but was arrested for criminal damage by the Middlewich CAT team as he walked away.

Maria Duffy, who has owned the shop for three years, said she was delighted with the police response but angry at the effects of such thoughtless vandalism.

She said: "People don't realise what they cause - I had to get someone out to board the window up and make it safe because of people passing with glass on the street and outside the shop.

"There's a knock on effect because the insurance company pay so much but we have to pay the first £250 and the premium goes up."

PC Mike Senior, from Middlewich CAT team, said the youth was later given a caution.

He said: "It was a good bit of work by the CCTV operator, which is to be commended.

"The youth was dealt with by police and has a criminal record as a result."

Town centre manager Dave Thompson was also full of praise for the quick work of CCTV operators and police.

He said: "He was seen and recorded by CCTV, the police were called and were on the spot within five minutes and he was arrested.

"After all the gossip that there's no film in the cameras or anyone operating them this proves that they are operated and do work.

"It's a constant worry for retailers, especially when they have to foot the bill for damage.

"It's something I'm talking about with the police at the moment."

Traders will be meeting Congleton Shopwatch co-ordinator Robin Curry at the Boar's Head pub in Kinderton Street, from 6pm on July 13 to find out more about setting up a scheme in Middlewich.

Tony Potts, Congleton Borough community safety manager, said: "This is yet another example of the effectiveness of CCTV in our town centres.

"The control room now has police radios and were able to communicate directly with officers at the scene ensuring the offenders were apprehended."