Riding back from a CX practice session yesterday on Broughton Street and I came across a very short man locking up a nice looking MTB. Oh wait I thought - that's a hooded kid (about 8 or 9) stealing a front wheel off a nice looking MTB.
I hopped the pavement and shouted and he was off like a ferret down the side street - I shouted into the wee cafe (forth and something) on the left and someone came out and said it was his bike. I told him his front wheel was half off and gave chase. Saw him at the end of the road but lost him in the labyrinthine area around the top of leith . Passing jogger said they saw a group and they had another bike wheel with them.
Headed back and spoke to the chap recommending just a cheap cable as it's a decent deterrent and easy to carry.
So good deed done.[
I spoke to my brother when I returned (he works in security) and he pointed out that if I'd grabbed the kid and he's NOT been charged (likely) I'd have been liable and chargeable for removing his liberty. This is rather silly isn't is as he's caught in the act.
Anyway - LOCK UP YOUR BITS