Two men were detained on a motorway after being arrested in connection with a shop theft in Worthing.
Police were informed of a high-value theft from the Tesco store in Durrington at about 8.10am on Thursday 9 April.
Suspects entered the store and stole items including electric toothbrushes, baby monitors, and electric shavers.
A silver Renault Megane was identified as their getaway vehicle, and officers from the Surrey Roads Policing Unit safely stopped it on the M25 later that day.
Officers found items linked to the theft in Worthing, as well as other suspected stolen items worth thousands of pounds in the vehicle.
Two men aged 19 and 22 from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, were arrested on suspicion of shop theft and handling stolen goods.
Worthing District Commander James Davidson said: “We understand the public’s concern about shop theft and the impact it has on businesses and for our community. This was a shocking and brazen attempt to take items from shops worth thousands of pounds.
“The two suspects had used sophisticated means to steal the items and went to great lengths to evade being caught.
“But the matter was reported to us and we were able to trace a vehicle into Surrey.
“Thanks to the excellent professionalism and teamwork from our Surrey Police colleagues, both suspects were safely detained and brought back to custody in Sussex for interview.
“Tackling shoplifting is a priority for us, and we have seen a significant reduction in the number of incidents in Worthing in recent months.
"We are catching and prosecuting thieves and targeting the most prolific offenders through Operation Apprentice. It shows the determination and hard work of officers and our partners to tackle crime and keep people safe in Worthing.”
The two suspects have been bailed with conditions, pending further enquiries.
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