Banned City Of London Thief Caught Stealing Bike

A bike thief, who flouted his Square Mile banning order when cutting a cycle lock with an angle grinder in busy Cheapside, has been jailed.

Christopher Forrester, 39, pleaded guilty to theft of the £1800 bicycle and breaching his Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).

He received a total of twenty-four weeks imprisonment.

On Tuesday, June 16 at approximately 6:15pm, Forrester was caught on CCTV cutting through a D-lock on a secured bike.

Two City of London Police officers were alerted of the attempted theft by members of the public.

When officers approached Forrester with tasers drawn he picked up the stolen bike and attempted to get away.

Officers chased and following some assistance from a member of the public, Forrester was arrested.

The bike, with a value of around £1,800, was returned to the owner.

Police Constable Izzy Grace, of the City of London Police, said: “This sentencing demonstrates that theft will not be tolerated and that offenders will be brought before the courts.

“Members of the public alerted our officers when they were carrying out patrols in the City and they immediately arrested the suspect.

“The City's extensive CCTV network remains an invaluable tool in helping us investigate offences and secure convictions. 

“We will continue to carry out proactive patrols, target offenders and use all available evidence-gathering opportunities to bring those responsible for crime to justice.”

Forrester was sentenced at Westminster Magistrates’ Court to 24 weeks in prison for theft and 12 weeks in prison for breaching his CBO, which he will serve concurrently.