POLICE involved in dramatic chases to catch some of South Yorkshire’s most wanted men have paid tribute to members of the public who helped them run their quarry to ground.
Three men are now facing trial on burglary charges after being apprehended in two separate chases in Doncaster.
The first two were nabbed when police on patrol in Bessacarr came across the men - on the district’s ‘most wanted’ list, suspected of committing burglaries around Doncaster - and they fled upon seeing the police officers.
Colleagues assisted by containing the area as the pair tried to run and hide.
Local residents assisted officers by pointing out where the suspects had been seen and the direction in which they were headed.
Officers were able to locate both men, one hiding in Hatchell Wood and the other near Doncaster Golf Course.
A 20-year-old man was arrested and is now on bail for four burglary offences and must report regularly to Doncaster police station, and a 23-year-old man is remanded in custody for failing to appear at Doncaster Crown Court on four burglary charges.
In a separate pursuit, officers on patrol in Rossington came across a 24-year-old man who was wanted for five theft offences.
They gave chase in the rain and with the help of residents were able to pinpoint where the man was heading.
He was eventually found hiding in Radburn Road and he is now remanded in custody to appear at Doncaster Crown Court.
Sgt Russ Higham said: “I would like to thank the local residents as these arrests may not have been possible without their help.
“I was personally involved in both of these incidents and it is refreshing for us that people are very much on our side and want to help us in our fight against crime.
“Help in incidents like these, by passing information to the police or simply offering words of encouragement, is a great benefit to what we are all wanting to achieve.”