Teenage bike thief tells police owner should 'get a better lock'

A teenage thief in Manchester has told police that the owner of a bike he stole should get a better lock. His words of advice came after a policeman chased after him on one of two stolen bikes in the youth’s possession.

According to the Manchester Evening News, officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) spotted him stealing a Specialized mountain bike by cutting its cable lock outside the force’s public enquiry office on Mount Street on Monday afternoon.

He was riding another stolen bike while pushing his latest acquisition, which a police officer managed to grab from him and pursuing him through the city centre before catching him at the retail park on Great Ancoats Street.

Greater Manchester Police subsequently posted a picture to Twitter of the two bikes recovered from the 17-year-old.

Good result, 17 year old male arrested in possession of these 2 stolen bikes. Bikes now returned to a happy owner. pic.twitter.com/CICqNf08NG

— GMP City Centre (@GMPCityCentre) April 11, 2016

In a second tweet, they added his words of advice.

.....17 year old bike thief charged with theft. His reply to charge: "Tell him to get a better lock. Get a chain. It was his own fault."

— GMP City Centre (@GMPCityCentre) April 12, 2016

While the thief’s words may strike some as cheeky to say the least, police added, “he has a point.”

It does underline something very important to any bike owner – the more care you take over securing your pride and joy, the less likely it is to be nicked.

Follow the link below for road.cc’s guide to bike security.

> Beginner's guide to bike security—how to stop bike thieves and protect your bike