To be unsure about whether I should report this to the police?

[fishfingersandcustard]

This is not an emergency in any way but I'm not really sure what to do. I had a quick google and that didn't enlighten me. I am therefore turning to people who might!

In short, I was just walking home through the town centre when a man on a bicycle stopped and asked whether I was a student. He then asked whether I knew anyone who wanted to buy a female bicycle with a lock i.e. the one he was riding. Typed out it seems very inoffensive and completely ridiculous to consider reporting it, however I had the very strong impression it was stolen from the appearance of the bicycle to his behaviour and the way he asked. Is this something the police would want to know - I have very little information apart from a description of him and the bicycle.

Thank you in advance for your advice - even if it is to tell me I'm being silly - I just don't want to fail in my "duty to be a good citizen".

Ring the non emergency number and inform them

I would. If someone reports a bike missing that might help them work out when and where it could be?

Yes, I'm sure they'd want to know, selling stolen goods is a crime by itself, I think.

I think 101 is the police non-emergency line, or you could find the number of your local station.

You could ring the none emergency number, it won't do any harm, perhaps they could check CCTV etc, at least then you have done something?

I always think I would rather report it, than to sit wondering! I contacted them once about a man claiming he was from a charity asking for £2 cash house to house and was very rude when I said no, don't know if they did anything but at least I did my bit!

Well, it wouldn't hurt to go in and tell the police.
If someone has reported a bike missing that fits the description and they have some mug shots of petty theives they may be able to re-unite someone with their bike!

EveniIf they think there is little to go on they will at least listen to you!

I would report it too.

I once witnessed a bizarre road rage incident where 2 cars going in opposite directions in slow moving traffic wound down their windows and started shouting at each other. One man got out of his car and proceeded to punch the other guy through the open window. This was during the school run in front if many gobsmacked bystanders. I reported the incident in case the assaulted guy decided to report it and I'd have happily been a witness for him as I was outraged. They never contacted me though.

Thank you all, I feel less silly now. I didn't want to waste anyone's time. This is a city where bicycle theft is so common so the chance of it being recovered is quite low.

I found the local police website and they have an online reporting form for non-emergency things so I've filled that in. I don't hold any great hope for it helping anyone but at least I have tried.

Thank you again! I'm amazed at the fast responses!