Cheapside bike thief jailed after public tackle

A man who stole a bicycle in Cheapside and fled from armed police officers has been jailed. Christopher Forrester, 39, was sentenced at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 16 July to 24 weeks in prison for theft and 12 weeks for breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order. The sentences will run concurrently.

Incident and arrest

Forrester was caught on CCTV on 16 June using an angle grinder to cut through a D-lock securing a bicycle. City of London Police officers, armed with Tasers, approached him as he attempted to leave with the bike. He picked up the bicycle and ran.

Officers chased Forrester down Cheapside before a member of the public intervened, helping to tackle him to the ground. He was arrested at the scene. The bicycle was returned to its owner following the arrest.

Police statement

Police Constable Izzy Grace, of the City of London Police, said the case showed the force's commitment to tackling theft. She said members of the public had alerted officers during patrols, leading to Forrester's immediate arrest.

Grace added that the City's CCTV network played a key role in securing the conviction. She said the force would continue to use all available evidence to bring offenders to justice, including proactive patrols and targeting known offenders.

What happens next

Forrester will serve his 24-week prison sentence. City of London Police have not announced further action in this case. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the force.