A Police Community Support Officer’s local knowledge proved invaluable in tracking down a bike thief.
PCSO Chris Murphy, part of the East Brighton Neighbourhood Policing Team, has been patrolling the patch for the past five years.
When a victim in a series of local bike thefts spotted his cycle being advertised with photographs on the internet, it gave PCSO Murphy a vital clue.
He instantly identified the background location and this enabled him to narrow down his inquiries and trace the thief, who was arrested.
During interview he admitted stealing the bike, and was cautioned for two thefts, three offences of having property under the Proceeds of Crime Act and having cannabis, a Class B illicit drug.
Inspector Paul Ransome, of the East Brighton NPT, said: “The disruption of this individual and the subsequent reduction in thefts is absolute testimony to the great work and local knowledge of our PCSOs.
“On this occasion PCSO Murphy pinpointed a fence on his beat and followed this up with local inquiries to achieve an excellent result with the help of his team.”
Inspector Ransome added that since the arrest the number of bike thefts in the area had dropped significantly. Compared to the same period last year, they have gone down by 52 per cent.
Anyone with information about thefts or other crimes should phone Sussex Police on 101, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555111.
