Police were called to Chester Moor on Saturday (January 4) after reports of a burglary.
It is said that suspects, two males, “tried to make a run for it” but officers managed to locate them.
One was found under a wagon and the other had jumped into a nearby river.
The pair were arrested and charged and will appear at Newcastle Crown Court on January 27.
A full police statement reads: “On Saturday, January 4, officers were called to a suspected burglary in Chester Moor.
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“The suspects tried to make a run for it, but thanks to swift action by officers and help from the public, their escape didn’t last long.
“One was found hiding under a HGV wagon, while the other was discovered in a nearby river – risking freezing temperatures to avoid capture.
“Both men were arrested and charged – they will appear at Newcastle Crown Court on January 27.”