Bikers arrest pickpocket who tries to mug poppy seller

A group of motorcyclists from the Oxleathers MCC are being hailed as heroes today after catching a pickpocket in the act of trying to steal a poppy seller's wallet as he raised funds on armistice day.

The Metro reports that Steve Norman, 43, was apprehended by the group of bikers at Market Square in Stafford. Once they had hold of the thief, they kept him in a headlock until officers could arrive a few minutes later.

Footage shows the would-be pickpocket kicking out at on-lookers as they filmed the incident. It’s now reported he has admitted theft at Stafford Magistrates’ Court.

“The Metro reports that one on-looker, RAF veteran and bikers, Terry Williams, 57, said: “We join in with the Poppy Appeal every year. We’re all bikers and most of us have a military background. One of our members, Bryan Heywood, clocked what was going on. This miscreant was targeting one of the veterans.

“He tried to get his wallet and the old chap fell to the floor during the scuffle – although thankfully he wasn’t too badly hurt. Bryan stepped in to prevent the theft from happening. He got hold of Steven and shouted for someone to call the police. Another one of our lads, Andy Fletcher, then helped to restrain Steven as he was kicking out at passer-by. The police arrived after five or 10 minutes. It was right in the town centre so there was quite a crowd around.’

Moral of the story, don’t steal, especially from a much-loved charity – and definitely not when bikers are around!