Day 24: I Learn That The Bicycle Thief Has Been Apprehended

Best friend is watering plants in front garden (aye, she's that posh) of house in Dalston whilst rubbing her bruised arse cheek, the result of having been wrestled to the ground by a 13 year old who then made off with her bicycle.

A strange thing happens. 2 policemen go by. On bicycles. They doff their helmets, draw on their pipes and say 'evenin' all' as they pedal past. She thinks to herself: could have done with THEM last night. Then the Teen Tearaway who stole her bicycle goes past. On her bicycle. Not wanting the bicycle thief to know where she lives, she sensibly does not run into the street shouting STOP THAT BICYCLE THIEF. Oh no. Instead, her splendid boyfriend gets into the car, follows the policemen, points them in the direction of the teen terror, and makes off.

The thief is then arrested and the bike taken into custody. However, the bike has been stripped down, and can only be identified by telephoning the British Virgin Islands where the previous owner (and holder of the serial code) lives as a partner in a law firm. A few phone calls later, the bicycle is returned.

She told me this story whilst travelling home on the bus.