30 minutes from suspected crime to arrest

THREE men have been arrested in connection with a theft that occurred at a property in Kingsthorpe, Northampton.

Officers received a call at 1.11pm today of reports of an alleged theft of scrap metal from a property in Kingsthorpe.

Details of a partial registration number and suspected offenders were given to the force control room.

Officers recognised the registration number, which was input into the ANPR system, triggering a hit in Mill Lane.

Officers attended a nearby scrap yard and spotted a van entering the location, resulting in the arrest of three local men at 1.27pm on suspicion of theft.

They were also arrested on suspicion of theft for an alleged offence in Orton, Kettering on 17 November 2011 and a further suspected theft in Spratton on 22 November 2011.

A 21-year-old, 28-year-old and 46-year-old man are in police custody.