A police chief has thanked the Wimbledon Guardian for its help in apprehending two suspected burglars.

Last week CCTV images were released by police of three men they wanted to speak to about £17,000 of power tools stolen from Fosters Auto Centres in Church Road, Mitcham, on Friday, August 8.

Within 24 hours of a story being published by this newspaper an anonymous call was made to Crimestoppers which led to the arrest and subsequent charge of two 17-year-old boys.

Merton borough commander Stuart Macleod wrote in his weekly bulletin he was pleased to report the success of the appeal.

Chief Supt Macleod said: "Merton Burglary Squad made a public appeal via the Wimbledon Guardian for assistance in identifying three young men who had been captured on CCTV whilst committing a burglary at a garage where £17,000 of power tools were stolen.

"I am pleased to report that within 24 hours of the pictures being released, a call was made to Crimestoppers and, as a result, two men have been arrested and charged with this burglary."

He said details were also provided of a third suspect who has yet to be located.

A police spokesman said: "We thank media for their assistance with the appeal."

Two 17-year-old boys from the Mitcham area have been charged with non-residential burglary.

They denied the charges and will stand trial at Wimbledon youth court on October 28.

Both appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, August 29.