Two thieves who were caught stealing a wheelie bin have been made to take part in a charity car wash by police.
Last month officers were on patrol in Newcastle when they spotted a man and a woman pushing a wheelie bin.
It roused the suspicions of police as the pair were pushing the bin over the A69 overpass and there were no houses in the area.
They stopped them and asked them about the bins at which point they admitted pinching them as theirs had gone missing.
Officers returned the bin back to its owner and the man, 23, and woman, 28, were brought into the police station to be interviewed.
Police say the pair were remorseful about the theft and so they decided to not press charges and agreed to a community resolution.
And earlier this month they kept their word and took part in a community car wash at Gosforth Fire Station.
They stayed for two hours and joined volunteers from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service to help raise money for the Firefighters Charity.
Sergeant Ashley Palmer , of the local neighbourhood policing team, said it showed residents in the area that officers will take action against wheelie bin thieves.
She said: "We know that there has been an increase in wheelie bin thefts recently and we know this is annoying for residents.
"It may seem like a trivial matter but it impacts people's every day lives and comes at a cost to the local authority who need to replace the bins.
"The officers who stopped these two people could clearly tell that something wasn't right and they did the right thing in stopping them.
"They were quick to admit their guilt and they showed remorse at an early stage so a community resolution was the most appropriate course of action.
"Ultimately the victims have had their property returned to them and the offenders have given back to the local community.
"It was a positive outcome for everyone involved and this should show the local community that the police will always take action."
Anyone who notices suspicious behaviour is encouraged to contact police on 101 or report it online at www.northumbria.police.uk .
