A COLCHESTER man who was caught on camera stealing a bike has avoided prison.

The victim contacted police on August 10 after his silver Carrera Vulcan bike was stolen from outside Sainsbury’s in Germain Walk in Huntingdon.

Officers reviewed CCTV and identified 39-year-old Danny Bygrave as being responsible.

The video shows Bygrave cycling up to the bike 'parking' hub and unlocking one of the locks. 

He then proceeds to leave on his bike while holding the one he stole. 

At Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court last Thursday, Bygrave, of Turner Road, Colchester, was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for a year.

He previously pleaded guilty to two counts of bike theft and possession of a class-A drug

PC Jack Hayden, who investigated, said: “For many people, a bike can be a lifeline and their only method of transport and/or their tool for exercise.

“We recognise the impact these thefts can have on people’s lives and we’re committed to catching those responsible and putting them before the courts.”

The maximum sentence for theft in the UK is seven years in prison and this is typically given when the harm and culpability are considered high.