A DEDICATED security guard pursued two speeding shoplifters – directed by the West Yorkshire Police helicopter.

Securitas-employed Steven Savvides was working at Asda Supermarket in Carr Pitt Road, Aspley, when he spotted a man approaching the store who he recognised as a known shoplifter.

But without a thought for his own safety Steven jumped into his car and pursued the vehicle, working closely with the police as the drama unfolded.

Police response cars and traffic cars were dispatched and the police helicopter was scrambled after he raised the alarm at 3pm last Friday.

Steven said: “The man saw me in the store entrance and instead of coming in he jumped back into a waiting car.

“I dialled 999 and was talking to the operator as I got in my car to follow them.

“I was one car behind them at the traffic lights on Wakefield Road.”

And Steven was given permission to follow the suspects at a safe distance until police could respond.

He said: “They were driving impatiently and overtaking cars. One of them noticed me as they pulled into a petrol station.

“I stayed at another pump. The man I had seen approaching Asda got out and stared at me the whole time he was filling up.

“He then pointed me out to his mate. They then jumped in the car without paying. They knew I was following them and just floored it.

“They were driving on the wrong side of the road, running red lights and twice jumped the curb.

“I obviously didn’t take the same actions as them and I was still on the phone to the police, just telling them which streets I was on and what the car was doing.

“My adrenalin was rushing and I was so focused on making sure I didn’t crash. They were doing 60mph or 70mph in 30mph areas and in excess of 100mph in others.

“The operator passed me over to either traffic police or the chopper at one point so I could pass on the information directly but I was so focused it could have been anyone. I was just shouting street names.

“I am not from Huddersfield so I had no idea where I was.

“I heard the police chopper overhead and then a really big police car behind me. I was so relieved.

“The police told me over my phone they were doing a ‘stinger’ to prepare but I never got to it as the car veered right down a country lane.

“The police followed it and then I slowed down and stopped.”

Steven admitted: “I wanted to keep going but it was only afterwards that I realised how daunting it could have been.”

Steven, who is Security Industry Authority (SIA) registered and is also a head doorman at a nightclub in Sheffield, said the police continued to pursue the car for about 10 minutes before the suspects fled on foot and were detained. Asked if he regretted his actions, he said: “My job is to protect the safety of people in the Asda store. We work closely with the police to ensure this happens.

“I was determined to not let them get away. They had been linked to a string of thefts in the area.”

A West Yorkshire police spokesman said: “Police were called at 2.59pm on Friday to reports of a vehicle believed to be carrying stolen goods from Mayfield Avenue in Huddersfield.

“The security man followed the suspect vehicle and fed back to police the direction and location of the vehicle.

“The police helicopter assisted in following two suspects in the Ford Focus after it failed to stop for police.

“The vehicle was stopped on Bradley Mills Road in Huddersfield. The suspects made off on foot.

“The driver and passenger of the vehicle were then arrested.”

“Two police cars were damaged in the incident,” said Steven.

Aspley Asda Store Manager Gary Lees said: “We are proud of Steven for his efforts. He has linked up with the police to ensure the safety of the community.

“I think the police are really pleased with his dedication to the job.”