On December 6th, intruders targeted the Green Man Pub in Newcastle City Centre and stole numerous items.
The thieves stole alcohol, beer pumps, a beer keg, handheld radios and guitars.
On Monday 21st December, just over two weeks after the burglary, a number of the items were spotted being advertised for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
Northumbria Police’s Operation Benelli team posed as buyers and arranged to purchase the stolen items. These officers then attended an address on Essex Close in Elswick.
Inside the address, officers found a stash of suspected stolen goods, many belonging to the Green Man. The goods have been recovered and will be returned.
A man, 52, and a 40-year-old woman who were at the address were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods.
Detective Inspector Ash Loader, of Northumbria Police, said:
“This was a great job by our Operation Benelli team who organised to purchase these goods.
“They posed as buyers and were able to organise a pick-up but upon arrival at the address, they revealed their true identities and placed the sellers under arrest.
“A full investigation to establish whether or not they are responsible for the burglary is ongoing but the victim is delighted their property will now be returned.
“This year has been a difficult time for our region’s businesses who have struggled to stay afloat during the Coronavirus pandemic.
“The last thing they need is to be targeted by thieves and we hope that these arrests reassure people we take burglaries and theft seriously.”
The two people arrested have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
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