A Neighbourhood Watch official has criticised police for a slow response after he recovered stolen bikes from a wood.
Recovered - Keith Baines with the bikes he found, which will now be collected by police. Picture: ADRIAN RUSHTON (46415-2)
Keith Baines, Neighbourhood Watch representative and residents' association chairman in Welshwood Park, Colchester, was informed last week that two bikes had been abandoned in Welsh Wood.
After waiting an hour to make sure they were not claimed, he took them home and called police - but said he was surprised when officers appeared reluctant to come out and collect them.
A few days later, Mr Baines read a Gazette report appealing for the return of two bikes stolen from Spruce Avenue in Greenstead.
He immediately contacted the Ipswich Road police station but said he was told the theft had never been reported.
Finally, in frustration, Mr Baines contacted Colchester Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator Carole Dennis, who confirmed that the crime had been reported at 5pm on Tuesday and gave him a direct line to the officer dealing with the case.
Police were due to pick up the bikes today.
A spokesman for Colchester Police was not available for comment.
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Published Monday, November 21, 2005
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