Watch: Thieves caught trying to steal bike outside London police station in broad daylight

Two thieves who tried to steal a bicycle locked up opposite a police station in broad daylight have pleaded guilty to theft.

John Kent, 43, of no fixed address, admitted attempted theft of a pedal cycle and handling stolen goods.John Hutchenson, 44, of Canton Street, E14, pleaded guilty to attempted theft of a pedal cycle, going equipped to steal, and theft from a shop.

The pair were caught on CCTV at around 1.30pm on 20 October 2025 attempting to break a bike lock on Bishopsgate — directly opposite the City of London Police station.

John Kent (.)

John Hutchenson (.)

Officers arrested them just minutes later.

Police Constable Sibyl Beaumont, of the City of London Police, said:“These thieves foolishly believed they could steal a bike outside a police station, when we have officers on patrol and we have the City of London’s extensive camera network — and we caught them red-handed.

“Officers responded immediately to apprehend the culprits.

“There are ways to make your bike harder to target by thieves or help return it to you if it is stolen, such as using a thick D lock, getting your bike marked or taking removable parts with you.”