Bicycle thieves caught at Nailsea School

CCTV caught two bike thieves red-handed at Nailsea School.

Police say when confronted the culprits who had no direct association with the school and didn't live locally both admitted the offences.

Nailsea School operations manager Chris Perry said: "When the school was rebuilt in 2009 some concerns were expressed about the installation of CCTV cameras and what they would be used for but following a spate of bicycles thefts from the school car park they have been invaluable in tracking those responsible."

Mr Perry reviewed the CCTV footage and was able to identify the individuals involved to community police officer Adam Clarke.

Mr Perry added: "The school is grateful to the police for their prompt actions, and hope this will act as a deterrent to others.

"This joint effort between the school and the police shows that by reporting crime and the use of CCTV, positive results can be achieved."

The main culprit was arrested in Weston-super-Mare by an off duty police officer who had seen the CCTV pictures from Nailsea School. 

The thief admitted bolt cropping the locks in order to steal the bikes which were not locked in the school secure cycle shelters and further bicycle thefts from the Weston super Mare area. 

At North Somerset Magistrates' Court earlier this month he was given a one year probation supervision order, ordered to attend a 30 day 'thinking course' and pay £1,332 in compensation to the victims.