During the early hours of Sunday 3rd February the police helicopter responded, along with numerous local officers, to an alarm at a petrol station in Ottery St. Mary.
Local officers arrived before the helicopter and confirmed a burglary had taken place and that the offenders had made off in a car.
Using night vision goggles, the crew of the helicopter were able to quickly scan the roads leading from the town.
A vehicle was spotted and followed through Honiton, whilst commentary was given to police colleagues on the ground. A traffic unit successfully stopped the car on the outskirts of Honiton.
Three men were arrested and taken to Heavitree Road Police Station, each has been charged with burglary and will appear at Exeter Magistrates Court this morning.
