Police Release Video of Burglar Struggling to Escape Petrol Station Heist
Police have released video footage capturing a burglar’s comical struggle to escape a petrol station heist in County Durham. The incident involved Andrew Pickering, 50, who repeatedly stumbled while escaping after his ladder collapsed during the break-in.
Details of the Petrol Station Heist
The break-in occurred in the early hours of October 21. Pickering, a resident of Marx Crescent in Stanley, was accompanied by his accomplice, Daniel Reay, 46, during the robbery. The duo caused significant damages and thefts, totaling around £3,219.
Arrest and Legal Consequences
Picking was sentenced to 12 months in jail at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court for his role in the crime. Reay, who did not have a fixed address, was apprehended shortly after the break-in. He was found in a black Ford Focus that contained stolen goods.
Reay also faced burglary charges and received a community order, which mandated him to complete alcohol treatment and other rehabilitation activities.
Public Reaction and Footage Release
Durham Police shared the video on their social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, where it quickly gained attention, garnering over 29,000 views in a single day. The video, accompanied by Strauss’s Blue Danube waltz, features a montage of CCTV footage from the petrol station in Ouston, Chester-le-Street, and recordings of Pickering in a police interrogation room.
- Incident Date: October 21
- Primary Suspect: Andrew Pickering, Age: 50
- Accomplice: Daniel Reay, Age: 46
- Location: Ouston, Chester-le-Street, County Durham
- Total Financial Losses: £3,219
- Pickering’s Sentence: 12 months in prison
- Reay’s Sentence: Community order with rehabilitation requirements
During the police interview, Pickering was seen knocking over a cup, leading to humor on social media, with comments like, “Bit clumsy, isn’t he?” This incident serves as a reminder that crime does not pay, especially when it is captured on camera.
