Thieves steal police bikes
FOUR police officers were left red-faced after thieves stole the bikes they use to patrol their beats.
The bikes are on a list of stolen items released by the force in response to a Freedom of Information Act request.
Leicestershire Police reported a total of 11 items were stolen from its stations, vehicles or in public places in 2016 and 2017.
In the case of the cycle thefts, which took place in January and October 2016 and in August and October last year, no suspects were brought to book.
A police radio was also stolen in February 2016, the force said. A suspect was identified but no action was taken because of ‘evidential difficulties’.
A police sign, a gym bag and vehicle parts are also on the list of thefts.
The number of property crimes committed against the force has remained relatively stable in the past few years.
In previous years, it has been reported, thieves have helped themselves to a range of police property, ranging from officers’ helmets, handcuffs and confiscated cash and drugs.
Tiff Lynch, chairman of Leicestershire Police Federation, said: “When police officers go to jobs they don’t always have the time to lock up their bikes.
“The people who stole these officers’ bikes may well have prevented them going to help someone in genuine need.
“Stealing anything from the police is a serious matter, especially at a time when we are facing cuts in our budgets and falling officer numbers.”
One city officer previously said: “People will always try to take advantage, whether it’s someone passing through a station or someone we have sitting in the back of our cars.
“These things happen despite all the security at our stations and police officers’ in-built suspicion of someone they’ve pulled over for questioning.
“Thankfully, it’s never happened to me, because it’s embarrassing to report that you’ve had something stolen from under your nose, especially your helmet or a set of cuffs.”
A force spokeswoman said: “We take all crimes seriously and will always try to identify those responsible for the thefts, prosecuting those if it is appropriate.
“Taking a police bike prevents the resource being used by an on duty police officer, potentially stopping them maintaining a visible and active presence in the community.”