Thieves have been said to be using bikes provided by Nottingham City Council as getaway vehicles in a series of thefts over recent weeks.
Two suspected thieves were spotted by a Nottinghamshire Police Community Support Officer after attempting to flee from Boots in Central Avenue, West Bridgford on Citycard hire bikes on Monday.
One of the men was arrested outside Boots, whilst the other was caught when police found him attempting to hide in a near by garden.
The bikes have been used as getaway vehicles in the past, including the recent incident of a £1000 bike that was stolen from the local ASDA store.
The Citycard Cycles can be hired by anyone for free by simply using their mobile phones, without the need for a Citycard.
Police were initially called to the Boots store when the theft was reported at 12:15pm on Monday. One of the suspects had fled the scene, but was later spotted by a local resident opposite the Marks and Spencer store on Priory Road at around 1:30pm.
Nottingham City Council were unable to comment at this time.
Officers also searched several other houses whilst looking for those involved. Residents were surprised that something like this would happen in their area, but were glad the thieves were apprehended quickly.
