A GROUP of suspected wire thieves were caught thanks to the quick-thinking of villagers from Walpole St Andrew.

Police responded to reports of suspicious activity at an electricity sub station in the village on Monday evening.

They arrived to find evidence of the attempted theft of wiring.

A car found at the scene in Faststick Lane was seized and response officers, with the support of the police dog unit, arrested three men nearby.

Further searches of the area revealed tools used to gain access to the site and a quantity of stolen copper cable.

The men, two in their 30s and a 17-year-old, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and attempted theft. They have been bailed pending further enquiries with conditions not to enter Norfolk unless for a scheduled police or solictor’s appointment.

King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Supt Nick Davison said: “Local residents are the best judges of what constitutes suspicious activity in their own community.

“By acting quickly and calling 999, we were able to respond immediately and achieve this positive outcome.”