A brazen thief who tried and failed to steal a bike outside a Wilko store has been captured on camera.
The shameless crook who was wearing a dark hooded jacket and what appears to be PPE at the time, attempted the robbery in broad daylight.
A passerby who noticed the crime began filming him in the act in an incident outside Wilko at The Europa Centre, Birkenhead.
The attempted theft took place on Wednesday, April 21 at 5:20pm with the footage of the perpetrator in action posted to a Facebook page this week.
Footage of the incident was shared with the owner of the bike who spoke to ECHO about the incident.
He said: “Unfortunately I got back to my bike after he had already gone but someone kindly filmed it and shared it with me when I asked on Facebook if anyone had seen anything.
“The bike is damaged, the breaks are damaged, gears and gear shifters are broken, the hand grips and in pieces and the lock is badly damaged and the chain keeps falling off.
“I don't know how long he tried to get it but from the video and the damage he used a lot of force and I can see him walk off on the video as some people start coming closer
“I was told the same person wearing the same clothes and mask stole tools from a van in Wallasey a few days ago but other than that I've no idea who it is.”
Merseyside Police confirmed an investigation is underway following an attempted theft in Birkenhead last week.
A spokesperson said: “At around 5.20pm on Wednesday, April 21, a man reported parking and locking his Apollo Mentor bike outside Wilko at the Europa Centre, Birkenhead.
“When he returned, damage had been caused, suspected to have been an attempt to steal it. Enquiries are ongoing.
“Anyone who witnessed this incident or has any information can contact us via @MerPolCC with reference 21000254238, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
