Police officers were urged to “get out and run” after a woman caught shoplifting in Sheffield twice evaded capture while using a wheelchair.
Hilarious images of the unconventional police chase show the woman outmanoeuvring officers as she sped away with “high value” stolen goods on Sunday. The suspect managed to escape a police vehicle, navigating Meadowhall Road amidst blaring sirens before later admitting to shoplifting from the nearby Meadowhall shopping centre.
Loreto Valente, 38, manager of Coral Windows and Conservatories on Meadowhall Road, recounted the scene: “The scooter came down Meadowhall Road, which is directly outside our showroom, and carried on going past us. I don’t know how far down Meadowhall Road they went or whether they turned off. I’m assuming the police apprehended them in the end. But I don’t know why they didn’t get out and actually run after them, or something. You could run faster than that.”
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police provided details in a statement: “At 12:25 p.m., we received a call regarding a report of shoplifting at Meadowhall shopping centre. It is understood that a 33-year-old woman stole a high value of goods and left the scene, traveling on a mobility scooter along Weedon Street. The woman was reportedly driving erratically, and an officer followed in a police car due to concern for the woman’s own safety and that of other road users.”
Authorities eventually detained the woman and recovered the stolen items. She admitted to the theft and will be dealt with through an out-of-court disposal, a legal measure often used for low-level offenses.
The incident has sparked amusement and debate, with some questioning the police response and others emphasizing the necessity of public safety considerations in such situations.