Hero cyclist catches bag snatch bike rider (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Hero cyclist catches bag snatch bike rider

Bag snatches have become commonplace in the last few months Ref: 99297-11 (Picture posed by models)CATCH THE SNATCHERS: A second bag snatcher has been captured in Swindon within a week, after a high-speed chase through the town centre.

A 49-year-old woman was attacked yesterday morning as she walked along the old canal path, near Swindon town centre.

The woman was approached by a man on a bicycle, who grabbed her handbag and rode off in the direction of the town centre.

But luckily for the victim, a bicycling Good Samaritan was able to help.

A 24-year-old man, who was riding a bike nearby, heard the woman's cries and came to her aid.

She pointed out who the suspect was, and the man chased after the thief, catching up with him in an alleyway off Commercial Road.

The man was able to hold onto him until the police arrived, and the woman's bag was recovered.

A 38-year-old man from the central area of Swindon was arrested on suspicion of robbery, theft, and going equipped for theft. He is currently being held at Gablecross police station.

Detective Inspector Paul Jennings has been heading up a task group who are working to make the streets of Swindon safe. He welcomed the news that another thief had been caught.

"This is a terrific result for the police," he said.

"We have now made two arrests for the same offence, which shows how we're cracking down on this sort of thing.

And Det Insp Jennings was full of praise for the courage shown by the daring rescuer.

"The gentleman's actions are to be highly commended.

"He put himself at risk to help others."

The daring rescue marks a great week for the campaign to stop bag theft in Swindon.

Last week Hugo Leal appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court where he was remanded in custody after admitting robbery and carrying an offensive weapon.

He was caught after another member of the public heard a 74-year-old woman's cries for help and came to the rescue.

"There have been many attacks, so we thought that they were being carried out by more than one person.

"But since the Advertiser's spread on the topic, there has only been one attack of this nature."

And despite being disappointed that the attack had occurred, Det Insp Jennings was pleased with the end result.

"It was not a surprise that there would be another attack, but thanks to this man's actions we have apprehended another suspect."

Despite these recent successes, Det Insp Jennings is still advising that women should be cautious when walking alone in the town.

And Jennings has already warned that someone could be killed if they are knocked over by one of these attackers.

Recent attacks

THE Advertiser has recently started a campaign to Catch The Snatchers, following a spate of thefts of bags by robbers on bikes in and around Swindon town centre.

And last month a special police task force, of both uniform and plainclothes officers, was set up to catch those responsible.

These are just a few of the recent incidents.

August 5: A woman had her bag snatched as she sat behind a bus shelter in Fleming Way.

August 5: A pregnant woman had her bag snatched in Euclid Street. Her husband thwarted the robbery by throwing his mobile phone at the offender.

August 12: A man had his briefcase containing a limited edition Canon camera snatched as he walked near Churchfields School.

August 12: A woman had her bag containing £100 cash and credit cards snatched in Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill.

August 26: A woman had her briefcase snatched in Commercial Road.