You're nicked! (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

You're nicked!

A THIEF did not bet on bumping into two police officers immediately after holding up a Swindon bookies.

Marlon McIntosh was caught after jumping over the counter at Coral Bookmakers in Marlowe Avenue, Walcot, and running off with a large amount of cash stuffed under his jacket.

But quick-thinking traffic officers Glenn Powell and Chris Palframan, who were on patrol in the area at the time of Thursday's heist, saw him walking along Maitland Road and followed him along Frobisher Drive.

McIntosh, 18, of Six Acres, Woodgate Valley, Birmingham, tried to lose the officers by jumping a 6ft wall into a back garden, but was caught after a struggle.

Acting sergeant Palframan, 35, said: "As soon as he saw the police car he legged it, took his top off and rolled it up into a bundle. We followed him in the car and got out and gave chase.

"The offender jumped over a fence but I opened the gate and caught him trying to get over another fence. After a small struggle he was arrested."

Police had arrested McIntosh and recovered the stolen money less than 10 minutes after receiving the call from headquarters in Devizes.

The officers, who are based at Westlea police station in Swindon's traffic police division, received a call at 3pm on Thursday and at the time, they were at the Magic Roundabout. Coral declined to say how much money was stolen and refused to comment on the theft.

PC Powell, 43, said: "This might put him off coming to Swindon to commit crime.

"He gave a full and frank admission he was caught bang to rights.

"At the time we got the call we didn't know whether it was an armed robbery, but this is what all policemen are trained to do.

"Contrary to popular opinion traffic officers don't just drive around dishing out speeding tickets or pull people over for faulty brake lights we all have a good local knowledge."

Yesterday McIntosh appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court and pleaded guilty to a robbery charge.

He was remanded in custody and will spend his birthday February 19 in prison before appearing at Swindon Crown Court the following day.

gsheldrick@newswilts.co.uk