A Swindon man has pleaded guilty to a spate of bike thefts and shoplifting from B&M.

Jamie Loveridge, of Station Road, was arrested after Swindon Borough Council CCTV operators spotted him stealing a pedal bike from outside the Savoy pub in Regent Street on April 26.

The 27-year-old was charged with the theft and the bicycle was recovered.

He was also subsequently charged with the theft of bikes from Canal Walk and Regent Street on April 23, and theft by shoplifting from the B&M in Ocotal Way on February 26.

Loveridge appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on April 27 and pleaded guilty to the offences.

He is due to be sentenced on May 29.

Wiltshire Police has now released the CCTV footage of the Regent Street incident on April 26, which shows Loveridge taking the bike after pulling it away from its lock.

PC Bezzant, based in Swindon, said: “We were fortunate to have recovered one of the stolen pedal cycles on this occasion thanks to the quick actions of the CCTV operators, which allowed officers on the ground to apprehend the suspect.

“We remain committed to targeting this type of offence and continue to employ a number of initiatives to help reduce offending.

“This has included targeted patrols in hot spots, working with our CCTV partners and the deployment of bait bikes.”

Police have also warned bike owners to take precautions when leaving their property unattended.

PC Bezzant added: “While offenders are using more determined efforts to attack secured bikes with wire cutters and more heavy tools, we are still seeing many pedal cycles secured with substandard and poor-quality cheaper locks.

“As you can see in the attached video clip, the suspect approaches the secured pedal cycle and within a matter of seconds of pulling at the bike, the lock is defeated and they are then able to cycle away on the stolen property.

“Please use a good quality lock to ensure that your bike is kept secured.”

Officers have highlighted the force’s 10 tips to help avoid bike thefts.

These include double locking, locking the frame and wheels to a secure stand, securing the bike close to the stand, parking in secure locations, and taking removable parts with them.

Cyclists have also been advised to register and mark their bikes, lock them at home as well as in public, check the ownership, and report any incidents of theft.