A cycle theft victim from Tottenham got his own back when he caught a man trying to sell his stolen bike at Brick Lane Market.

Thieves had cut through the lock and chain which Damiano Migani used to secure the bike to a metal railing outside his home.

The 33-year-old was advised to search in shops in the area and to check out Brick Lane Market.

When he arrived on a Sunday morning he tried all the vendors unsuccessfully before finally spotting a man trying to sell his bike to a stall owner.

Mr Migani said: “I was furious. I shouted he was a thief and immediately grabbed it from his hands. He just mumbled something about buying it from another person.

“I said the police were on their way and he quickly handed it back, saying he didn’t want any trouble."

But although he got his bike back, Mr Migani was frustrated that no one was ever charged for the crime.

“He left before I managed to get a picture of him. Although I was able to give the police a description, I don’t believe he was ever caught.

“At the time I was using my bicycle on a daily basis because my motorbike was out of service. If I hadn’t recovered it sooner, it would really have impacted on my day-to-day life,” he said.

Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £1,000 for any information on this theft which leads to an arrest and charge.

The crime-fighting charity have launched a cycle theft campaign to encourage Londoners to report information on those seen stealing bikes.

There were 17,367 reported bicycles stolen in London last year which are often sold through markets, car-boot sales, online auctions or free classified adverts.

Regan Hook, Crimestoppers’ Regional Manager for London, said: “Cycling has certainly increased in popularity in the past few years and there is a need to improve bicycle security.

“We would urge anyone who has information about those involved in stealing bikes or handling stolen bikes and bike parts to share it with us anonymously.

If you have any information contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.