10:00am Saturday 2nd March 2013
A QUICK-THINKING council recycling crew called the police after spotting two suspected burglars.
The cardboard collection crew were on their fortnightly round in Colne when they saw a man and a woman they thought were acting suspiciously and carrying two full bags in a backstreet off Glen Street.
The brave recycling crews approached the couple, who then dumped the bags and began to run down the alleyway.
But the council’s brown bin collection wagon was then driven into the back street from the other end to try and block the couple’s getaway.
The ‘have a go hero’ drama unfolded at around 10am on Thursday and police are keen for any other witnesses who may have seen anything suspicious in the area to come forward.
Police later arrested a man and charged him with burglary and threatening behaviour.
Coun John David, executive member for environmental services, praised the crews’ bravery and quick-thinking.
He said: “They did the right thing at a time when a quick judgement was needed. I expect they’re now feeling proud of themselves - and quite right too.”
David Walker, waste services manager at Pendle Council, said: “By all accounts it was like something out of Police, Camera, Action! and happened really fast.
“To quote one of my staff, they simply said they wouldn’t have liked to have come home and found they had been broken into and their possessions had gone.
“We are very proud that we have staff who feel this way and do the right thing.”
He was remanded in custody to face a trial at Burnley Crown Court on March 18.
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