THREE suspected burglars have escaped without charge “at this time” following a foiled break-in at Alice Holt Forest earlier this year.

Staff from Petersfield-based ADP Security Systems spotted via remote CCTV three men wearing hoodies trying to use a crowbar to force their way into a Forestry Commission work compound early in the morning of August 11.

ADP issued a loud warning over the tannoy system and the intruders disappeared, only to reappear on camera nearly half an hour later. They ignored a second tannoy warning, so the police were called.

The security firm, which runs a key-holding service for customers, despatched an alarm response team to Alice Holt to help the police enter the site.

On their arrival, the intruders made a run for it with police officers in pursuit.

Two of the three men, aged 20 and 24 and both from Bordon, were arrested and officers recovered a van and tools.

An inspection at Alice Holt revealed damage to a door and two containers had been forced open.

The third man, a 25 year old from Leatherhead, was later identified and arrested on September 15.

All three men were arrested on suspicion of burglary other than a dwelling with intent to steal and were bailed pending further enquiries.

However, on October 6, the Crown Prosecution Service made the decision not to charge the men “at this time” due to insufficient evidence.

Speaking ahead of the CPS’ decision, Julian Williams, Alice Holt’s visitor centre manager, praised ADP for safeguarding the Forestry Commission property.

He said: “If we had lost the equipment we couldn’t do what we need to do day to day until we had replaced it. Instead, ADP was able to detect the intruders early and send the authorities out quickly enough to prevent any loss.

“We are obviously delighted with the result.”

Keirn Bush, director of ADP Security Systems, added: “This shows that our CCTV remote monitoring service is money well spent. We detected the intruders straight away and cooperated with the police so they had officers on the scene in minutes to save our clients’ property.

“We’re happy to have been able to save the Forestry Commission time and thousands of pounds and give them peace of mind.”