A BUNGLING thief led police to a haul of stolen bicycles worth more than £1,000 — by riding off on an officer’s bike.

The thief stole the bike from Bury Road, Breightmet, earlier this month — cutting the bike chain — after a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) had locked up his bicycle outside a community meeting.

But officers clocked the thief on the distinctive bike just two days later, arrested him, then searched his home — in Slaidburn Avenue, Breightmet — and found TEN more bicycles and frames.

Police are now hoping to trace the rightful owners and return the bicycles, thought to be worth more than £1,000 in total.

Insp Wayne Readfern, for Bolton North NPT, said: “We suspect the bikes seized during the search were stolen. We are keen to find out any information regarding the bicycles from anyone who recognises them. Information given to police could also assist in uniting the bikes with their rightful owners.

“We will continue to crackdown on cycle thieves. Positive action like this sends out the message that stealing bicycles will not be tolerated in Bolton.

“We would advise people to follow a few simple steps to reduce their chances of falling foul to bike thieves. Following simple crime prevention advice can increase the likelihood of your bike being returned if it is stolen.”

The PCSO had left the bicycle securely fixed to a concrete post while he attended a community meeting on Thursday, September 12.

But when he returned to the bike after 30 minutes the bike and chain had been stolen.

The search of the suspected thief’s house took place after two police officers on duty in Astley Bridge saw a man riding a bike which matched the description of the PCSO’s bike. When they checked the bike it was the stolen one.

Among the bikes found at the home were a blue children’s Townsend Caveman, a black Coyote, a silver Giant Expression, a green Carrera and a red and white Vertigo Piccadilly.

Insp Readfern advised people to mark bike frames with their postcode in two areas which are generally hidden from view, and to register their bikes at bikeregister.com. Registered bikes can be returned to their owner if they are stolen and found.

Cyclists are also recommended to lock bikes to something that is fixed when leaving them unattended, to keep a photo of their bike and to take a note of its frame number to give the police the best chance of reuniting them with their property if it is stolen.

Police have arrested two men, aged 37 and 42 on suspicion of the thefts. They have been bailed pending further inquiries.

People with information about the bicycles should contact Bolton North NPT on 0161 856 5761.