A bike thief got more than he bargained for when he stole a peddle cycle from a Swindon street. 

That's because when Kelvin Crook, 50, took the opportunity to steal a peddle cycle that he had come across on Islington Street, he had no idea that it had been put there deliberately by police. 

Crook, of no fixed abode, was charged with stealing a bike during a court appearance at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Monday, April 1. 

He pleaded guilty to criminal damage, going equipped for theft and theft of a pedal cycle.

Crook has been remanded on unconditional bail and is due to be sentenced at Swindon Magistrates' Court on April 12.

Inspector Winter said: "After a recent increase in bike thefts in the town centre we put a police-owned pushbike, locked, under a CCTV camera.

"This was monitored by Swindon Borough Council CCTV operators and then when Crook tried to steal the bike, we were alerted.

"If you’ve ever had your bicycle stolen, you’ll know how upsetting it can be. We have practical tips on how to help keep your bike safe and out of the hands of thieves, as well as advice on how to get it back if it is stolen on our website.

"The most important thing to remember is, double lock your bike and register the frame number."