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Shotgun landlord chases off burglars after police delay

The police took over 50 minutes to respond to the incident.

By Barnaby Dracup

Monday, 08 March 2010

Landlord who used his shotgun to confront and chase off two burglars condemns police for taking over 50 minutes to arrive at the scene.

Shotgun landlord chases off buglars after police delay.
Sussex landlord, Simon Thomas, spotted the thieves as they loaded stolen bicycles into the back of a car at 2am.

The experienced shooter immediately grabbed one of his licensed shotguns and took aim from his bedroom window.

He shouted: “Don't move, I've got a loaded gun on you.”

The thieves pleaded for mercy and claimed they thought the pub, the Anchor Inn, in Barcombe, was empty.

Mr Thomas went back into the house, dialled 999 and put his gun safely back in the cabinet.

He said: “I called the police and they told me they didn't have anyone available to come over right away but to put the gun away so I did. When I went downstairs, they were getting the bikes out of the car and drove off.”

“If push came to shove I would have fired the gun. Both of my children were asleep in the house and protecting them was my priority. I don't want people to think I'm some gun nut, but I was prepared to do pretty much whatever it would take to protect my children.”

Mr Thomas tried chasing after them in his Land Rover but lost sight of them as they drove through the village.

Sussex Police confirmed they were called shortly after 2am on Saturday last week but only made it to the pub 50 minutes later.

A spokeswoman said: “The call was graded for immediate response, although it should be noted that the suspects had driven off before police were called. Officers arrived as soon as possible but were responding to other calls at the time.”

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Comments

joe

Mon, 5th Apr 2010 19:31:40

I dont agree with you at all this bloke did nothing wrong he was protecting his property as allowed under the law this should be encourged i gartee you those same arse holes want come back to his property! Atleast here the police havent taken his gun or charged him for once the police used common sense

Martyn

Mon, 8th Mar 2010 23:22:56

I can't believe what I'm reading here, an experienced shooter threatens theives with a loaded shotgun through his bedroom window! Is threatening to shoot someone a measured response to attempted bicycle theft? Whilst I completely understand Mr Thomas wanting to protect his children, to use his shotgun in the way is unbelievable. Had the intruders been coming up the stairs with intent to harm then that that would have been a different story (a certain farmer springs to mind here), but stealing bikes?? If he'd just shouted at them they'd probably have ditched the bikes and driven off in fear anyway. Yes the police may have taken a while to arrive (after he'd already threatened them I might add), but has Mr Thomas considered the fact that they might have been attending more serious incidents? The police have a difficult job in difficult circumstances, have limited resources and have to prioritise. Yes they might get that wrong from time to time, but can any of us really say we'd do a better job? or even want to? We're all aware of the ever present risk of increasing firearms legislation so please Mr Thomas, think before you reach for your cabinet keys.

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