While a few people may have had their bike stolen in broad daylight, not so many victims decide to put up a public sign to shame the thief into returning it.

But that is exactly what one former special constable decided to do, a week after her bicycle was taken from Anglia Square in Norwich in the middle of the day.

Michelle Newton, from New Costessey, said she locked up her bike - a blue Claud Butler she bought for £180 in 2008 - at about 10am on Monday, March 16, only to find that a thief had made off with it when she returned less than two hours later.

The 49-year-old part-time carer was so incensed she decided to return to the scene a week later, and put up a sign telling the thief what effect the theft had on her, and urging them to return the stolen property.

The sign said: 'You had the nerve to cut my lock and take my bike in broad daylight. I had to go home on the bus and have also found out that my insurance does not cover bikes.'

It added: 'Return my bike or I won't rest until I find you and my bike!!!'

Without her bike, Miss Newton had to drive to the city centre in order to put the sign up, and when she returned to her car she discovered she had been given a parking ticket.

She said: 'I felt I needed to make a stand. We have a lot of criminal activity. I really support the police in their work.

'I wanted to raise awareness about the criminality and the fact that people are doing this in broad daylight. I wanted to draw attention to the fact that there are criminals operating in the area.'

A police spokesman said: 'I can confirm that a secured blue Claud Butler bike was stolen from Magdalen Street in Norwich sometime between 10am and noon on Monday, February 16, when offender(s) have removed the lock.

'Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Norfolk Constabulary on 101, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.'

Do you have a crime story? Contact crime correspondent peter.walsh@archant.co.uk