Bungling would-be thief falls into bush, CCTV issued: Old Wool Lane, Cheadle Hulme
(SK8 - Tuesday, 18 October, 2011)

It happened after the offender tried to burgle a house on Old Wool Lane at about 10.25am on 17 October 2011.

The occupant of the house, 40, was upstairs when he saw through his window the thief peering through the patio doors.

After making his way downstairs, he heard a crash and when he got to the bottom of the stairs saw the thief running out of the lounge having tried to disconnect the family's Xbox.

The offender pushed past the man and into the back garden, where he got on his pedal cycle.

He then cycled across the front garden and fell into the bush, giving the homeowner time to take a picture of him before he cycled off.

The offender is described as:

• a white male
• aged mid-30s
• 5ft 10in - 6ft tall
• skinny build
• long narrow face and a gaunt complexion
• wearing a grey woollen beanie hat, a grey top with a high-visibility yellow vest
• riding a bright orange mountain bike

"Thanks to his quick-thinking actions, we have now been able to circulate good quality images of this man on his bike and I would appeal to anyone who either recognises the man or thinks they know someone with this mountain bike to come forward." PC Kevin Martin Police have now released two pictures taken by the homeowner and are appealing to anyone who recognises the offender to come forward.

Police Constable Kevin Martin, from the Volume Crime Team, said:

"Because this burglar stumbled when trying to escape, it gave the homeowner time to take a picture of him.

"Thanks to his quick-thinking actions, we have now been able to circulate good quality images of this man on his bike and I would appeal to anyone who either recognises the man or thinks they know someone with this mountain bike to come forward.

"Although this offender made a poor job of trying to burgle this home, particularly in falling into a bush, it really is no laughing matter.

"He has invaded the sanctity of someone's home with the clear intention to steal, and he needs to be caught and brought to justice.

"I would again appeal to anyone who recognises this man, or thinks they know something with a similar mountain bike, to call us immediately."

Anyone with information should call police in Stockport on 0161 856 9774.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police Force: Greater Manchester

Address:
Old Wool Lane
Cheadle Hulme
Cheadle
CHESHIRE
SK8