The suspect, described as wearing a balaclava and moving between gardens and over fences, immediately raised concerns with the crew.
Refuse collection crews in Southend have today (Tuesday, 17 February) been praised by Cllr Martin Terry, Executive Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, after their quick thinking helped the police to track down and apprehend a suspected burglar.
While on their usual collection rounds, the SUEZ recycling team noticed an individual acting suspiciously in the Hampton Close area, Southend, on the morning of Thursday, 12 February. The suspect, described as wearing a balaclava and moving between gardens and over fences, immediately raised concerns with the crew.
Following their training, the bin crews avoided engaging directly with the individual but instead phoned 999. The crew remained at a safe distance, keeping the individual in sight until police arrived, and directed officers to the suspect's exact location.
An Essex Police spokesman said: "Thanks to the help of members of the public who flagged down officers, an arrest was made following reports of the same suspect jumping garden fences and attempting to escape. In the course of this, damage was reported to some property."
A man aged in his 20s, from Southend, was arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary, criminal damage and drugs offences. He's been released on bail while the police investigation continues. The incident was resolved within around 20 minutes of making the initial 999 call.
James Gatter, Southend Contract Manager at Suez, said: "We are extremely proud of our team for their quick thinking and actions that may have prevented a crime from happening in our local community."
The daughter of an elderly resident whose garden was involved later contacted SUEZ to thank the team. Her mother had been inside the property at the time and was said to be very shaken by the incident.
Councillor Martin Terry described the crews as 'crime-saving' heroes. He added: "I want to pay tribute to the waste and recycling crew whose quick thinking and vigilance helped bring this incident to a safe conclusion."
Lydia Hyde, Executive Member for Recycling, said: "Our crews are out across the city every single working day. Their awareness of what's happening in our neighbourhoods makes them an invaluable set of eyes and ears in keeping Southend safe. I'm incredibly proud of the team."