Police nab bike thief after recognising his wallpaper in photo

Carpet fitter Craig Evans stole over £6,000 worth of bikes but dropped himself in it when he posted the pictures on the Gumtree auction site

Police tape (Getty)

A common problem for people who sell goods online is finding a picture that shows the product in its best light.

Bike thief Craig Evans, however, was caught out when the police recognised his house décor in his photos on Gumtree.

The 31-year-old carpet fitter admitted stealing over £6,000 worth of bikes at Northallerton Magistrates Court, having targeted the Stokesley area.

>>> Time trial champion Josh Teasdale has £20,000 worth of bikes stolen

Evans took a £3,000 Scott Foil from Stokesley High Street last August 3, and handled a £600 Carrera Kraken mountain bike the following day.

He also took a Cube Analogue and a Giant Anthem from Park Square, Great Ayton, two weeks earlier.

According to the Northern Echo, the thief would wait until the cyclists stopped for food before pedaling away on their bike.

>>> Cheshire Police seek owners of recovered stolen bikes

Jailing Evans for 18 weeks, Magistrate Nigel Bacon said: "These would have been distressing offences for the individuals concerned."

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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.