Good Samaritans helped police capture a bag-thief who will be sentenced later this month.

Shawn Day, 22, of Hadley Road, Barnet, watched a woman approaching a bus stop on December 7 in Meadway, High Barnet, before grabbing her bag and running off.

A passing motorist stopped and gave the victim a lift so she could chase Day as police were called to the scene.

They lost sight of Day as he hid behind a skip in Kingsmead but a nearby resident challenged him. Day then took two mobile phones from the bag and threw it before running away.

Meanwhile police arrived and arrested Day in Tudor Road. He admitted stealing the bag containing the phones and led officers to where he had dropped it.

Detective Constable Ian Holmes said: “The prompt action by the victim and other members of the public led to the swift apprehension of the thief.  This kind of co-operation between the police and the public is a vital element in combating street crime.”

Day has pleaded guilty to theft and assault and will be sentenced at West London Magistrates on Tuesday, January 14.