Thief is jailed thanks to dad

A shoplifter has been jailed thanks to the actions of quick-witted dad.

Nick Wood had gone shopping with his wife and two sons for new bikes at Halfords in Dewsbury when he saw a man acting suspiciously.

Nick Wood with proud sons Nathan and Joe.placeholder image
Nick Wood with proud sons Nathan and Joe.

Mr Wood, a senior team leader at the Fox’s Biscuits distribution centre in Wakefield, said: “He barged past us with a big toolbox in his hand. I thought ‘I’m not having that.’”

As Saqib Bhatti ran down the underpass with the £100 toolbox, Mr Wood jumped into his car and gave chase. He pulled up alongside Bhatti, but the criminal ran off.

The police arrived and Bhatti was found in a nearby takeaway’s toilets.

Store manager Neil Booth said: “It’s great that he took the time out to apprehend him. Within half an hour we had the toolbox back.”

Bhatti, 32, of Trueman Avenue, Heckmondwike, was jailed for 28 weeks for five counts of theft by Kirklees Magistrates on Monday.

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