Three arrested and items recovered as police clampdown on vehicle thefts in Hemel

Three men were arrested at the weekend as officers carried out a pre-planned operation on Saturday into Sunday night targeting recent thefts from vehicles, focusing mainly on the Tring area.

At around 3am, police received a report of a car being broken into in Ebberns Road, Hemel Hempstead, where a number of items had been taken.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Police said: "Two males were spotted by both the Inspector and a police dog and they subsequently made off.

"A footchase ensued near the canal in Apsley before one of the males was stopped and searched and found to be in possession of a number of suspected stolen items.

"Daniel Purseglove, 32, of no fixed abode was subsequently arrested on suspicion of theft from motor vehicle and taken to Hatfield Custody where he was remanded to court.

"He was sentenced to seven days imprisonment as well as various costs.

"Following the arrest of Purseglove, officers remained in the area and they spotted a vehicle driving erratically along London Road, Apsley.

"Officers attempted to stop the vehicle but it failed to do so. Subsequently there was a very short pursuit and the vehicle came to a slow stop on Two Waters Way.

"One man exited the vehicle and was detained after attempting to make off.

"The vehicle continued for another 100-200m on the slip way to the A41 Southbound where it came to a slow stop with the vehicle too heavy to get up the hill.

"Both men in the vehicle were detained for a search for stolen goods. Their vehicle was searched and was found to be full of bricks suspected to have been stolen from Wickes in London Road, Apsley.

"Both men, a 31-year-old from Watford and a 34-year-old from Abbotts Langley, were arrested on suspicion of theft.

"Following enquiries, the 31 year old was released with no further action and the 34 year old has been bailed pending further enquiries."