A 12-year-old cyclist has been reunited with his stolen bike after the alleged thief rode it straight to Christchurch Central Police Station.

Adam had parked his bike outside Parakiore in Central Christchurch on 23 June and secured it with a lock. When he returned a short time later, the bike was gone.

Thinking he would never see it again, Adam and his mum waited a couple of days before reporting it to police.

What they did not know was that police had recovered the bike within about 15 minutes of it being stolen.

Police said the alleged offender was on bail and required to report regularly to a police station. Earlier that day, Community Constable Olivia Bensley had alerted custody staff to detain him over an earlier breach of his bail conditions.

Needing transport, the man allegedly stole Adam’s bike and rode it directly to Christchurch Central Police Station.

When he arrived, staff acted immediately, taking him into custody and recovering the bike on the spot.

Police said Adam’s cut lock was allegedly found in the man’s bag, along with side cutters believed to have been used in the theft.

The bike was returned to Adam when he and his mum reported it missing days later.

Police also used the opportunity to speak with Adam and his family about bike security. They were given a free Project 529 registration shield, information about registering their bikes and advice on using stronger locks.

Bensley said prevention played a big role in stopping bike thieves.

“Most bike thieves look for the quickest, easiest option.

“Cable-style locks can be cut quickly using small, easily concealed tools, but a strong lock like a D-lock is often enough to make them move on.”

Police are encouraging cyclists to register their bikes with Project 529, a free national bike register.

“If a bike is registered, we know who it belongs to and can return it quickly,” Bensley said.

“We’re thrilled to get Adam’s bike back for him. Bike thieves take more than just property, they take away people’s sense of security and independence.

“We’ll continue to target these offenders, but for all the cyclists out there, it’s simple. Secure your bike properly and you’re far less likely to be targeted.”

A 34-year-old man has been charged in connection with the incident and is currently facing 17 similar charges.