Shoplifter caught stealing £200 worth of Twirl chocolates

A man has been arrested in Greater Manchester on suspicion of stealing £200 worth of Twirl chocolate bars.

He was stopped by police who said they found him “making off from a shop” on Hollins Road in Oldham. After the police had detained the man they then discovered the massive haul of chocolate.

The suspected shoplifter was arrested by officers from a neighbouring police force who were on their way to a community Christmas gathering at the Greater Manchester Police Headquarters in Newton Heath.

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The police force that made the arrest, the Greater Manchester Police Tameside North wrote on their Facebook page: “It would seem that the #AshtonHurst team will find trouble when not even in Tameside... Whilst on route to Force Headquarters with guests from the #AshtonHurst community who were attending the Annual GMP Community Christmas Dinner, they come across a male making off from a shop on Hollins Road, Oldham.”

“After a quick foot chase by PCSO Chadwick, the male is detained and approx. £200 worth of chocolate goods were recovered. The male was also found to have a small kitchen knife on his person and discovered to be wanted for failing to appear at court,” the force added.

Members of the public were quick to spot the amusing tale online with one user on Facebook commenting: “Was £200 the street or retail value? Surely worth more if you melt it down for cornflake cakes?”

Another referenced a perennial concern for British chocolate lovers by saying: “£200 so he only took 4 Freddos really.”