Cheapside bike thief jailed after public help
Christopher Forrester received a 24-week sentence for theft and CBO breach.
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Christopher Forrester has been sentenced to 24 weeks imprisonment after stealing a bicycle on Cheapside on 16 June 2026. He used an angle grinder to cut through a D-lock on the bicycle, an act captured by the City of London Police's CCTV network.
Arrest and recovery
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Two City of London Police officers on patrol were alerted to the incident by members of the public. When officers approached, Forrester attempted to flee with the stolen bicycle. A chase ensued, during which a member of the public provided assistance that led to Forrester's arrest.
The bicycle, valued at approximately £1,800, was recovered and returned to its owner. Forrester, who is of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to theft of a bicycle and breaching his Criminal Behaviour Order.
Court sentencing
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Westminster Magistrates’ Court sentenced Forrester to 24 weeks in prison for the theft charge and 12 weeks for the Criminal Behaviour Order breach. These sentences are to be served concurrently.
Police Constable Izzy Grace of the City of London Police stated that the sentencing demonstrates theft will not be tolerated and offenders will face the courts. She also highlighted the value of the City's CCTV network and proactive patrols in securing convictions.
Questions this report answers
+What happened to Christopher Forrester?
Christopher Forrester was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison for stealing a bicycle on Cheapside. He also received a 12-week sentence for breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order, to run concurrently.
+How was the bicycle thief caught?
City of London Police officers were alerted to the theft by members of the public. After Forrester attempted to flee with the bicycle, officers gave chase and apprehended him with assistance from a member of the public.
+What was the value of the stolen bicycle?
The bicycle stolen on Cheapside was valued at approximately £1,800. It was recovered by police and returned to its owner following the arrest of Christopher Forrester.
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