A THEFT victim criticised police, claiming they closed his case without investigating it.

Mark Gable’s £250 Carrera Zelos road bike was stolen overnight on April 4-5 from outside his flat in Tarrett Drove, off Hythe Hill, Colchester.

He spoke to police two weeks after reporting the theft and said he was told the case was closed.

Mr Gable, 28, a physiotherapy assistant at Colchester General Hospital, is angry because police have not requested CCTV footage from the property management company.

Cameras were installed at the flats after his previous bike was stolen more than a year ago.

Mr Gable said of the latest theft: “I had an expensive lock, an Imobi tag, and did what I could to protect the bike. We called the housing company and they said police could have the CCTV if they gave the company a time.

“I called police to find out how the investigation was going and they said there was nothing else happening, there was insufficient evidence and the case was closed.

“They wouldn’t look at or ask for the CCTV.”

Mr Gable said: “It was not the best bike in the world, but I followed all the security advice and I used the bike to get to work at the hospital. Thankfully, I have a spare one.

“I know it is not the biggest crime, but the police were not bothered and did not even try.”

He has lodged a complaint with Essex Police.

The force is the fifth most under-resourced in the country in terms of police officers per 1,000 people, according to figures. However, it is continuing to reduce the number of officers in the wake of funding cuts.

A police spokesman said enquiries into the bike theft were continuing.

He said: “Officers and staff work tirelessly to meet the high standards of service members of the public rightly expect.

“However, the realities of policing and a finite number of resources at our disposal mean we do have to ensure officers’ time is put to the best possible use.

“Our aim is to assess every crime and determine what resources are needed.

“Anyone unhappy with how their case has been dealt is advised to contact the victim care
unit.