Two charged after suspicious vehicle leads police to alleged pub burglary near RAF Leeming

Two men have been charged with burglary after police officers on a routine patrol uncovered evidence of a break-in at a pub near RAF Leeming.

North Yorkshire Police said officers were carrying out mobile patrols on the evening of Monday, July 27, when they spotted a vehicle parked in suspicious circumstances near the viewing area close to the RAF base.

An initial inspection found the vehicle unlocked and containing a number of tools, including hammers, screwdrivers and part of a rip saw. Officers also noticed a bucket containing shoes and another saw in the rear of the vehicle before keeping the car under observation.

When the vehicle drove away, officers followed it before stopping it near Junction 50 of the A1(M).

The driver and passenger, both men in their 20s from West Yorkshire, were searched along with the vehicle. During those searches, officers found a number of items that had not been present when they first inspected the vehicle.

Further enquiries led officers to a pub on Roman Road, close to RAF Leeming, where they discovered signs of a break-in. Police found damage consistent with forced entry, while inside the premises items had been disturbed and cash was scattered across the floor.

Both men were arrested on suspicion of burglary and remain in police custody while enquiries continue.

The vehicle, along with all items recovered, has been seized as part of the investigation.

Chief Inspector Tom Ibbetson said the arrests highlighted the value of proactive patrols.

“These arrests demonstrate the value of our nightly proactive operational deployments across North Yorkshire,” he said.

“Officers were carrying out tasked patrol activity when they noticed something that did not look right. Their vigilance, professional curiosity and swift actions led to the identification of a suspected burglary and the arrest of two suspects within a short space of time.

“The specialist capabilities and patrol activity provided by Operational Support officers not only helps prevent and disrupt criminality but also enable officers to identify suspicious behaviour and respond quickly when offences occur.”

He urged members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activity, adding that information from residents remained “one of the most effective tools” in helping police prevent and detect crime.

Both men have been remanded into custody.