This dramatic helicopter footage shows the moment police arrested a gang of burglars - after they tried to hide up a tree

Around 20 officers began chasing the trio of thieves after they were discovered robbing a number of farms and countryside properties in rural North Yorkshire.

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Abraham Fox, 28, Ross Sutcliffe, 29, and 48 year-old William Lowther fled on foot before a police helicopter with on-board thermal imaging cameras was deployed.

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The high tech cameras captured the moment officers on the ground spotted Fox and Sutcliffe perched on branches up a tree.

In another clip a dog unit canine can be seen sniffing out Lowther, who was hiding in grassland close to the A1 road near Harrogate.

All three suspects were arrested following the incident on January 15 and each later pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary.

Appearing in the dock at York Crown Court last week the trio, who are all from Bradford, were jailed for more than two years each.

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Speaking after the sentencing, investigator Pam Luettke said: “Waking up in the middle of the night to see people outside your home wearing balaclavas must be one of the most terrifying ordeals you can imagine.

“These were organised attacks on hardworking people and whilst they admitting their guilt, the gang displayed no sense of shame for what they did and remained unapologetic throughout for the distress they caused.

"It is very satisfying to know that justice has been served for the victims and that Lowther, Fox and Sutcliffe are now behind bars."

National Police Air Service’s (NPAS) Ian Vause said: “This was a great outcome and demonstrates how the NPAS help protect the public 24/7, 365 days a year from the air."

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