Police Open Door Policy - Reasonable Or Not?

[Garaman]

Apparently this incident has divided opinion on social media with some criticising the police. It didn't look too bad to me. (You can start the video at about 1 minute without missing the incident.)

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/police-defend-tactic-of-nudging-thief-off-bike-after-he-was-caught-redhanded-on-cctv-a3584596.html

[Barsel]

It was just bad timing on behalf of the police.The one that opened the door should have waited until the van had moved up a bit more,but by doing what he did, he was sure to catch the thief.
If he hadn't done that, then the thief would have spun his bike round and disappeared up an alley or somewhere the police couldn't catch him.
So bad timing but good timing.

[hereIam]

On the cops side, of course.

[Gladeian]

It's reasonable force to detain a suspect. I don't see the problem.

[cassa333]

The thief could have done himself more damage by falling off as he wobbled up the road with his uneven load than getting a slight nudge form the door.

[Old_Geezer]

My first thought is that thieves risk getting injured when taking something and trying to get away from the police, and that is no different. But I reckon if serious injury had resulted there might be claims. Maybe a tactic only to be attempted when more conventional ways of catching the thief have been tried and failed.

[TWR]

Do people expect the police to have tea & biscuits ready for prats like this, good work Mr Plod 10/10.

[Baldric]

With TWR all the way here,

that'll surprise him :o)

[TWR]

Where do I send the Check Balders? this is a first lol

[TWR]

Could be Cheque as well.

[Mamyalynne]

What kind of biscuits?

[TWR]

It's called in Murrays Café a Scottish kiss Mam.

[Zacs-Master]

Maybe a Thin Blue Ribband?

[Mamyalynne]

Oooh I'll have one of each and a fig roll , ta.

[Zacs-Master]

Maybe a 'Breakaway' would have helped the crim?

[Mamyalynne]

Very good.

[Lie-in King]

Well done, the police - a quick resolution to the incident.

[Tuvok]

I'd say its possible that he fell off because he hit the kerb and not because of the door.

Anyway 1 less ned (aptly called Nedd) enjoying a stay at Her Majestys Pleasure!

[sp1814]

The perfect way for the thief not to be injured is obtain products the the other way...by working and using the paper stuff given to him at the end of the month to exchange for goods and services.

Loads of people do it, and avoid the whole 'arrest thing'.

[naomi24]

I may be alone in my opinion, but I don’t care what methods are used to apprehend thieves.

[anneasquith]

Great catch. Don't you just love CCTV ?