‘Superb coppers’ thanked after swift return of stolen motorcycle

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Two ‘superb coppers’ have been thanked after returning a stolen motorcycle to its owner before he realised it was missing.

PC Samantha Gledhill and PC Dean Bardill were on patrol on Queen’s Road, Beeston, on 29 April when they spotted a group of riders on two bikes who appeared suspicious.

After seeing the bikes pass through a red traffic light, the duo followed a hunch and made their way to a nearby street, where they found one of the bikes abandoned.

Further checks led officers to contact its lawful owner, who had not yet noticed it had been stolen.

He was later able to retrieve the undamaged bike, which had been taken around 20 minutes before it was found.

He later sent a message of thanks to the ‘superb coppers’ involved, praising them for their excellent work and for the security advice they gave, which he has since followed in full.

Sergeant Heather Harding said:

“Motorcycle theft is an issue of considerable concern to owners, who rely on their bikes to get around.

“Had it not been for the excellent work of these two officers, it is likely that this one would have disappeared without trace.

“As the victim said himself, this was great work by two superb officers.

"I am also pleased to hear that the owner has followed their advice and invested in a new anti-angle grinder lock for his bike.”