Paper round palaver as chirpy cyclist ditches bike and steals delivery van |
A driver for News Direct, a company that delivers newspapers throughout Norwich, was doing his rounds in St Leonards Road at about 6am on Wednesday when disaster struck.
Spotting a golden opportunity, a conniving cyclist cheerily greeted the driver before jumping into the still‑running van and revving off as soon as he turned his back to make a delivery.
Police at the scene on Wednesday morning (Image: News Direct)
Tony Smith, a director of the company, said: "Our driver said 'good morning' to a guy on a bike, who said 'morning' back.
"The cyclist then slammed on the brakes, jumped into the van and drove off.
"It had all the papers in it for that area and caused delays for deliveries."
The van was later seen by police in the city, but the driver failed to stop when asked to do so.
At least five police vehicles then forced the stolen van to stop in Cecil Road at 10.40am.
Mr Smith added: "There were a couple of marks and scuffs on the van.
"They were rushing about and not caring about it at all."
A man in his 40s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, failing to stop when directed, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, theft from a shop and failing to provide (breath test).
He was taken to Wymondham police investigation centre for questioning, where he remains.