POLICE in Newton-le-Willows have thanked members of the public who helped them to catch and prosecute three local thieves.

The three men, 23-year-old Mark Anthony Killilea, John Middleton and Mark Harrison (both 24) were all sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court.

Killilea of Silverdale Road, and Middleton of Lathom Avenue, both Newton, were charged with two offences of burglary and one of a theft of property at homes in Newton on July 15 and 16. Both received two-year jail sentences.

Harrison of Station Road, Haydock, was charged with two offences of burglary in Newton on July 15 and 16, and was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.

Acting Detective Inspector Don Gordon, the man in charge of the Newton-le-Willows burglary squad which arrested the trio, said: "This is a great result for us, but we couldn't have done it without the help of a number of members of the public who came forward with information.

"It was their information which led to the arrest of these three men and this case shows how successfully the police and members of the public can work as a team. If people give information crimes can be detected and results like this can be achieved."

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