EXCLUSIVE John Elworthy ESTATE agent Kathleen Dack described handyman Colin Waterfield as a real hero after he chased and caught a thief who had just stolen a laptop computer. Mrs Dack said that Mr Waterfield trapped the thief who was trying to flee the

EXCLUSIVE John Elworthy

ESTATE agent Kathleen Dack described handyman Colin Waterfield as "a real hero" after he chased and caught a thief who had just stolen a laptop computer.

Mrs Dack said that Mr Waterfield trapped the thief who was trying to flee the neighbourhood in his car, and refused to allow him to drive off until he gave up the computer.

"Colin banged on the car window, but still the man refused to hand back the computer," said Mrs Dack.

"He continued to bang on the window of the car and the next thing he knew the window smashed, showering glass over the thief, the computer and the front of the car. Colin's hand was covered in blood but he put his hand in to pick up the computer and tried to take the keys from the ignition."

By this time Mrs Dack herself arrived on the scene and realising Colin had got some keys, but not the ignition key, she lent it to retrieve it from the Rover car.

"I told the thief it would be best if he walked away, and now, as the police were on their way," she said.

"He wanted his keys, but I refused to hand them back. When the police came we realised that Colin had the man's house keys, I had his car keys and when a policeman searched the car he found the man's wallet."

It didn't take long for police to arrest the man, who was taken to Wisbech Police Station and is now being investigated for a series of other offences.

"No doubt about it, Colin's our hero" said Mrs Dack of the handyman who lives in Leverington.

Mrs Dack said it was an "opportunist theft that went badly wrong." She said she was at the back of the shop at the time, Mr Waterfield was in the kitchen and a receptionist had just popped across the road to see a client.

"This bloke must have seen his chance and snatched the computer," she said. "But I don't think he realised then how badly his day would turn out to be."

Inspector Robin Sissons, sector commander for March , said Stephen Barton has been arrested in connection with the incident after officers found his address and went to his home.

He has been charged with theft and also an offence of bilking (filling up with a car and driving off without paying) in Cambridge.

He added: "This is a good news story and I am please that the police could do their bit.

"Whilst we do not encourage members of the public to tackle possible offenders as there is always the possibility that they may get hurt.

"However, on this occasion it seems everything worked out and if Mr Waterfield ever wants a job as a policeman then send him to me"

Mr Waterfield was quite modest about the part he played in the dramatic arrest of the alleged thief.

"I was determined that he would not get away with it," he said. "I'm just pleased he didn't!