Live webcam foils transatlantic burglary
An internet-user in the USA foiled a burglary in the UK when he spotted the crime on a live webcam, police said today.
The man went online in Dallas, Texas, to view images of Liverpool's Beatles quarter.
When he saw a group of men scaling a ladder on Mathew Street - home to the famous Cavern Club - he realised he needed to "Help!".
He telephoned Merseyside Police and officers rushed to the scene and arrested three men.
The break-in took place at Blacks outdoor activity shop at around 4.30am on Tuesday.
It is thought the gang were stealing sports clothing worth thousands of pounds.
Three men, all aged in their mid-30s, were arrested on suspicion of burglary and bailed pending further inquiries.
A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: "We received a call from a man in Dallas, Texas, who was watching a webcam and said he could see men removing property from a store.
"There was a ladder against a wall and a first-floor window had been broken, and the men were taking property out.
"Three men were arrested on suspicion of burglary and bailed. The investigation is ongoing."
The unknown man viewed the images via the website www.mathew.st.
