Police have praised vigilant residents who helped catch two suspected burglars after an early hours raid on a village shop.

Residents in Maenclochog called police after being woken by the suspicious behaviour of two male youths in the early hours of yesterday (Wednesday) morning.

Police arrived and conducted a search with village residents.

It was soon discovered that the local shop had been targeted by burglars. But as a result of the early calls to police, around £1,500 worth of stolen merchandise was recovered.

Criminal damage to two school buses parked at nearby business premises was also identified.

Police later arrested two male youths from the outskirts of Maenclochog on suspicion of burglary, theft and criminal damage. They have been bailed to appear before Haverfordwest magistrates court.

Sergeant Aled Davies, of Narberth Police said: “As a police service we are grateful for the information that the local residents in Maenclochog provided. It was crucial to the early intervention in apprehending the alleged offenders and the early recovery of stolen items.”