A 22-year-old man has been arrested after a police chase along The Groves.

At just after 4pm yesterday (Thursday, August 29) plain clothes officers chased a man after an attempt was made to steal a bike which had been chained up close to Hickory’s at The Groves.

A man from Blacon was later charged with theft of a bike and theft of bolt cutters. He has been bailed and is due to appear before Chester Magistrates on September 19.

Sergeant Andy Burrage, of Chester Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team, said the officers had been patrolling the Groves after a spate of bike thefts over the past few days.

“There has been a marked increase in the theft of cycles over the past few days. The deployment of officers in plain clothes is just one of the tactics we have employed to tackle the issue.

“As ever, the public can avoid becoming a victim of cycle theft by utilising good quality locks. These may cost a little more but it's clear that cheaper options are no match for thieves armed with bolt croppers.”