Speedy bobbies chase down shed thieves on bicycles

By The Editor 26th Aug 2020

Richmond Police has shared a story of how its officers successfully caught two thieves.

The duo had broken into a shed in the early hours of Tuesday, August 25.

They began to ride away on bicycles and refused to stop when officers told them to.

Despite having the advantage of wheels, the officers caught up with them and made two arrests.

Richmond Upon Thames Police posted the story on its Facebook page. They wrote:

In the very early hours of this morning a member of public in Twickenham called police to report he had seen two men breaking into the shed.

Police arrived shortly after the victim had lost sight of the males – and we contained the area to search for the suspect. After arriving quickly, officers saw two males on bikes cycle away. When asked to stop they made off, and officers chased both.

After a short foot chase one man on a bike was stopped by an officer pursuing on foot.

The male was stopped and searched. Officers found bolt cutters, bike keys and an amount of cannabis. He was arrested for going equipped to steal, and possession of a Class B substance.

Officers were able to take the bike back to the victim then and there. On confirmation the bike was taken from the resident at the property he was further arrested for burglary.

Shortly after another male was stopped by officers. He was arrested for Burglary, criminal damage and going equipped to steal. A second bike was also found nearby.

Further investigation by officers found another shed broken into on the same area. The second bike was returned to the victims there.

Both men remain in police custody.

If you have a shed containing valuable tools or bikes, see tips on how to secure it on the Met website.

Make sure to register your bike online. In the eventuality it is stolen this information can help police recover them to victims. Registration is free.