A MORECAMBE pensioner has hailed the speedy response of the police after his bike was recovered only minutes after it was stolen.

Morland Maychell, aged 64, applauded the the police's quick work after his bike disappeared from a family friend's home in the early hours of last Friday morning.

But in almost less than half-an-hour later the bike was safely back in the owner's hands.

Morland, who bought the black bicycle last summer, managed to catch a glimpse of the thief as the bike was wheeled out of the backyard at about 4.50am.

Morland said: "I immediately rang the police and they were here in minutes. And before I knew it they'd returned back with the bike in the back of the van.

"I would just like to thank them for doing such a great job and show them my appreciation. I really thought I'd never see my bicycle again.

"Normally the police are always getting a bad press and it's about time they were given a pat on the back. By 5.25am and I had my bike back which is now safely under lock and key."

About a year ago 999 night calls from Morecambe and Lancaster were put straight through to Blackpool but in the last few weeks they've been re-directed back to Lancaster and Morecambe.

"If the local police weren't on call during the night there would never have been such a quick response," added Moreland.

DI Philip Barnes of Lancaster police said: "Mr Morland gave us some very clear and concise details about what happened which helped a great deal. We're just very glad to have been able to help so quickly."

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