Chase drama on A127 (From Echo)
Get involved: send your pictures, video, news and views by texting ECHONEWS to 80360, or email us »
Chase drama on A127
8:00am Saturday 11th February 2012 in Basildon By Gina Marden
THREE suspected burglars were arrested after a dramatic high speed chase along the A127.
The getaway car, that was pursued by police, was travelling so fast it took just ten minutes to get from Billericay to Southend.
The drama unfolded when thieves broke into Stewarts Wine Bar in Western Road, Billericay.
They got in after forcing open a back door and once inside helped themselves to tills and a safe packed with cash.
The three loaded up their getaway car – a blue Vauxhall – and began to make their escape at about 2am yesterday.
But police, who were on a routine patrol in the area, spotted them and immediately became suspicious of the vehicle. Officers signalled for them to pull over but the driver put his foot down and sped away.
Police followed the car as it tore through Billericay High Street before heading on to the Southend-bound track of the A127.
The driver raced along the dual carriageway, ignoring the police car on its tail.
As the Vauxhall passed the junction for the A130 the thieves threw a till from the window of the moving vehicle, which missed the following police car.
They continued along the A127, turning down Progress Road, before turning around and heading back on to the A127 towards Kent Elms Corner. They finally gave up at the roundabout near Tesco on Prince Avenue, Westcliff, where they were arrested.
It had taken them just ten minutes from when they were first spotted at 2am on Thursday to reach the roundabout – normally a 25-minute journey.
Terry Commiti, owner of Stewarts, said the venue was reviewing its security in light of the break-in.
He said: “I really am pleased the police have made arrests so quickly.”
l A 25-year-old of no fixed address was arrested on suspicion of burglary while two other men, one aged 23 and one 24 both from Dagenham, were arrested on suspicion of burglary and failing to stop for police.
They were being questioned at Basildon police station yesterday.
