An attempted broad daylight theft captured on CCTV shows a brazen crook, equipped with a bike seat used to break locks, trying to steal a bicycle in Manchester city centre.
The shocking temerity of the crime saw Dean Pollard, 31, of Bunyard Street, Cheetham Hill, sentenced to 16 weeks in prison.
As captured in the footage, Pollard can be seen using the bike seat to try and break the safety chain of another bicycle secured to the rack.
Cigarette in mouth, his Corporation Street theft is only stopped when he is caught red-handed by plain-clothed police officers.
Sergeant Rachel Eaton said: “As cycling has increased in popularity so has the number of bike thefts. It’s a crime that has become a priority for us in the city centre and we are working hard to tackle the problem.
“Last week saw one bike thief receive an 18 week prison sentence, and now we have another with a 16 prison week sentence.
“I hope this shows how seriously the police and the courts are treating this issue and serves as a warning to would-be bike thieves that we are watching and we will send you to prison.”
Pollard set out to steal at around 12pm on June 10.
He pleaded guilty to theft of a pedal cycle and going equipped to steal, appearing before Manchester City Magistrates’ Court yesterday where he was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison.
Sergeant Eaton added: ““Bikes are attractive items to thieves as they can be sold on, or used to travel around to commit further crime.
“We would advise cyclists to use a Sold Secure D-lock or armoured chain to secure bikes and parking them in busy and well lit areas.”
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