Police have praised the actions of a 16-year-old boy who apprehended the suspect for a burglary at a local primary school.
Brynhyfryd Primary School in Briton Ferry was burgled late on Monday night which resulted in computer equipment being stolen.
An eagle-eyed local teenager spotted suspicious activity within the school grounds and after running out of his house, performed a citizens’ arrest on the suspect and detained him with the help of his step-father.
Police were called and arrested a 16-year-old male on suspicion of burglary and recovered a quantity of computer equipment which was concealed in a wheelie bin.
The suspect has subsequently been charged with burglary and was due to appear before Neath Magistrates Court on 20th January 2010.
Detective Inspector Jason Davies of Neath Port Talbot CID said: “The suspect was taken to Neath Police Station where he was interviewed and later charged with an offence of burglary.
“Entry had been gained to the school by smashing a window and it is possible that further property may have been stolen that night as a result of the building’s vulnerability.
“We have enjoyed considerable success in reducing burglaries across Neath Port Talbot and we could not do this without the help and support of our communities.”
Acting Chief Inspector Jeff Handley of Neath Port Talbot Police said the boy would now be considered for recognition by the police service for his actions.
“His selfless actions have helped the police charge a burglary suspect who had targeted a local school for property,” said Mr Handley.
“As soon as he saw the suspicious activity in the school grounds he followed the suspect and performed a citizens’ arrest to detain the man for the short time it took officers to arrive at the scene.
“When a school is burgled it affects the whole community and I am pleased that this particular crime has had a happy ending.”
