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

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.

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.”