A TV producer from Old Isleworth has heaped praise on the community for rallying round after his garage was burgled and thousands of pounds worth of equipment stolen.
David Freeman, 54, of Church Street, who is also chairman of Isleworth Community Safety Forum, credits officers from the Isleworth Safer Neighbourhood Team, as well as a 'good citizen', for helping to find the people who broke into his garage and stole several items.
Police arrested two young men within 24 hours of each other during the first week of June for allegedly damaging the garage, stealing an expensive racing bike and nearly 50 tools. Both are now on bail and await ID procedures in July.
A neighbour discovered Mr Freeman's garage was broken into and alerted his daughter, who was home alone, as well as the police on May 26. Another 'good citizen of Isleworth', who wanted to remain anonymous, then told police he had seen one of the young men riding the distinctive £2,000 speciality bike, which had been painted blue.
Mr Freeman said officers, including Sgt Kirsty Hayes, were there to help immediately. He said: "They took it seriously very quickly. They are a good bunch of people and they did a very thorough job. And we got the people that did it."He said after police and neighbours were alerted of the robbery, Police quickly took action to recover the bike and tools after the reported sighting, making back-to-back arrests.
But despite the return of his bike and tools, he said he is planning to install security measures, including lights and alarms.
