Kingstanding burglar tracked down to Sutton Coldfield with help of the public

A burglar who targeted a retired couple’s home has been jailed after the public helped police track him down.

West Midlands Police issued a social media appeal to trace Christopher Arnold after he was established as the prime suspect for the break-in last March.

Forensic experts found his fingerprints on a newspaper at the Sutton Coldfield address after a range of jewellery, electrical goods and sentimental items were taken.

Arnold went to ground to avoid arrest.

Within days of an appeal being released in June the force received a call saying Arnold had been seen in Kingstanding.

Officers rushed to the scene and although Arnold tried to flee on foot he was chased down and arrested.

The 46-year-old continued to deny he was behind the burglary off Coleshill Road, Sutton Coldfield, but was convicted following a trial.

Arnold, of Sundridge Road, Kingstanding, was jailed for three years at Coventry Crown Court on Friday (4 March).

What did police say following the trial?

DC Max Redmayne, from force CID, said: “Following great work by our forensic examiners we established Arnold was our prime suspect and issued a wanted appeal to trace him.

“It worked as within five days we were contacted by a member of the public who’d seen Arnold.

“He tried to run off when officers arrived but he was no match for them and was promptly detained.

“Arnold continued to protest his innocence but after the Jury heard the evidence at court he was rightly convicted.

“This was distressing for the retired couple who were out at the time and returned to find priceless belongings lost forever.

“The prompt public response has ensured he’s lost his freedom and can’t strike again. You really can help us catch criminals and make the streets safer.”

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