Police officer chases down thief on the bike he was trying to steal

A 17-year-old was attempting to steal two bikes outside the police enquiry counter in Manchester city centre when the chase began

A thief attempting to steal two bikes in Manchester city centre saw his attempts to get away from police come unstuck, as he was chased down by an officer on the very bike he was trying to steal.

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The 17-year-old was trying to cut through the lock on a £500 Specialized mountain bike on Monday afternoon before being spotted by police, as male youth was attempting to steal it right outside the police enquiry counter in Mount Street in the city.

An officer then jumped into action and ran after the youth, who was riding one stolen bike while pushing the Specialized alongside it.

The officer then managed to grab the bike and chase the culprit across the city to Great Ancoats street over a mile away, where he was eventually apprehended.

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Gareth Parkin city centre chief inspector praised the incidents as “a great use of initiative and pro-active policing,” according to Manchester Evening News.

Greater Manchester Police tweeted about the incident, saying the male had been caught and charged with the theft of the two bikes.

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The police also said that the youth had attempted to blame the owner of the bikes for the theft, saying: “Tell him to get a better lock. Get a chain. It was his own fault.”

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Richard Windsor

Follow on Twitter: @richwindy


Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.


An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).