A POLICE officer has told how he used pedal power to bring two car thieves to justice.

PC Stuart Hall was cycling through Sunderland when he saw someone driving a stolen Peugeot 307.

He radioed for help and followed the car as it went through the city.

He even managed to keep up with the car when the driver tried to escape a pursuing patrol car.

The Peugeot was abandoned in a back street after the driver hit the rear of a parked BMW, and the occupants ran off.

PC Hall managed to apprehend one of the men, while the other was caught by officers in a traffic car.

PC Hall said: "These car thieves were certainly surprised when they were collared. They did not expect a police officer to sneak up on them on a bicycle.

"Officers are keen to use whatever transport methods best help them in any given situation. From bicycle to the more traditional patrol car, they all play their part in police work."

Alan Paul Steel, 24, of St Lukes Road, Sunderland, was convicted of aggravated vehicle-taking, theft from a motor vehicle, having no insurance and driving while disqualified, at Newcastle Crown Court last week. He received a 21-month prison sentence.

Derek Robson, 28, from Bradman Street, Town End Farm, Sunderland, was jailed on November 15 by Sunderland Magistrates' Court for four months for aggravated vehicle-taking, and four months, to be served concurrently, for handling stolen goods.

Both men admitted the offences.