Colchester street wardens saw front-line action for the second time in their five-month career.
A vigilant shopper reported a man stealing a mobile phone from a van in West Stockwell Street.
A pair of street wardens were on the scene immediately and, although they missed the crime, they tracked the suspect through the Dutch Quarter.
When the suspect realised he was being trailed, he fled.
The man was described as white, wearing a flat hat, white jeans, an orange shirt and brown shoes.
David Trick, warden supervisor at Colchester Council, said: "This is the second one we've been directly involved in.
"We're not that proud of ourselves because we lost him. We are pleased because we responded and got a good description to give to the police."
Published Monday October 28, 2002
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