An audacious attempt to steal from a York supermarket prompted a swift response from police yesterday (Thursday).
At 5.15pm, a group of people filled four trolleys full of goods and left the unidentified store in Acomb, making no attempt to pay for them.
Staff contacted North Yorkshire Police on 999, and an employee challenged the group as they were loading goods into their car – but they made off, leaving some of the items behind.
Officers immediately began a search of the area. Acting on information they headed to the A64 and then the A659 near Tadcaster.
At 7.30pm a Hyundai Santa Fe car was stopped by police.
Its occupants, three men and three women, all in their 20s, were arrested on suspicion of theft.
A search of the vehicle revealed it had false number plates, and contained items of food and boxed toys.
The six remain in custody at this time while enquiries continue.