Two suspected burglars were arrested in Hove after a police chase involving the Sussex Police helicopter.
The pair are believed to have been hedge-hopping down back gardens in Elm Drive in Hangleton yesterday afternoon.
At least six officers were involved in the pursuit on the ground and, as well as arresting two 19-year-olds, they recovered a number of stolen items, including computer games and elcetrical goods.
Some had been taken into a house where a burglary was promptly reported and other items – mostly games – had been dropped or hidden near by.
One of the suspects came face to face with an Elm Drive resident in her garden.
He asked for help and said that he was being chased.
She let him out by the side gate, unaware that those chasing him were police officers.
Shortly afterwards she was giving police officers a detailed description of the intruder and what he was wearing when she saw him walking down the other side of the street.
He tried to flee but was arrested.
The helicopter helped trace his accomplice.
The two 19-year-old men from Hove were still in custody first thing this morning awaiting questioning.
