‘Catch me if you can’ bike thief jailed: 30 months for offender who taunted the police

A motorcycle thief who baited police on social media with the line “catch me if you can” has been caught, and subsequently jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Mark Fay, 29, of Thoresway Road, Longsight, Manchester, was sentenced to 30 months after being found guilty for his part in a string of motorbike thefts. While wanted by police, Fay contacted officers and told them to “catch me if you can”.

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His jibes were mirrored in the captions of a number of videos he posted on social media, which were found by officers tasked with locating the thief.

An investigation was launched by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Central Neighbourhood Crime Team and District Tasking Team then, in September 2023, Fay was caught, arrested, and charged with eight counts of theft of motor vehicle, and three counts of handling stolen goods.

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The case has come to light as a result of Operation Acquire, where GMP’s Neighbourhood Crime Teams showcase the work that goes on behind the scenes to keep communities safe. 

“Fay had a clear set-up; he planned the offences carefully. It was a lengthy investigation by the team into a clearly organised spate of thefts,” PC Davies of GMP’s Central Divisional Tasking Team, said.

“This showcases the lengths we take – no matter how sophisticated the group or individual may be, we investigate and put offenders in jail.”

They continued: “And our message to criminals is we can catch you, we will catch you.”