POLICE have charged a 16-year-old youth with theft after he stole a bike in Bedlington.
The incident happened on Thursday outside the St Benet Biscop High School. Officers attended the scene, arrested the teenager and returned the bike to its owner.
Meanwhile, Northumbria Police chiefs are urging bike owners to do more to deter thieves after officers reported an increase in the number of thefts in recent weeks.
They say it is known that criminals are targeting bikes which are left unlocked or unattended outside houses, shops and in gardens.
Yesterday Det Ch Insp Peter Reeve, of the Northumberland Area Command, said it only takes seconds for thieves to spot such an opportunity and make off with hundreds of pounds worth of equipment.
He said: “If you’ve got a bike then look after it. If you’re planning on leaving it anywhere, even for only a minute, then lock it up. Store it somewhere secure and safe overnight and never leave it out on show.”
