A man who stole an electric bike and evaded police has been jailed.

Sebastian Chojnacki, 29, entered a car park in Davigdor Road, Hove, on February 20 and cut through the lock of an electric bike stored in a caged area at 1.30pm.

On April 6, PCSOs patrolling Dyke Road spotted a man matching Chojnacki’s description.

Chojnacki, of no fixed address, entered an underground car park in an attempt to evade police, hiding in a waste disposal area.

He was arrested on suspicion of theft and bailed the following day for further enquiries to take place.

On April 25, Chojnacki was charged with the offence. He was further arrested on April 30 after failing to comply with his bail conditions and bailed ahead of his next hearing on May 1.

READ MORE: Six arrests made in Eastbourne as police continue patrols

On July 5, Chojnacki failed to appear in court and was arrested again in Hove on July 24.

At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on July 25, he pleaded guilty to the theft and for failing to surrender to police and was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison and fined £2,515 on August 14.

The court result represents a success for police after no convictions were brought in 2023 for bike theft. The force cautioned one person for stealing bikes in 2023.

Some 798 bikes were reported stolen to Sussex Police in that year across the city - with 27 stolen from one street less than 100 metres long.

PC Emily Hamby said: “Bike theft is more than just an inconvenience; it undermines the sense of safety and trust within our community.

“In this case, the victim took all the right precautions by securing his bike with a lock in a designated area.

“Despite this, Chojnacki exploited the situation by breaking into the secure location and stealing the e-bike.

READ MORE: Littlehampton: Second teen arrested over death of Paul Lawrence

“He has now been sentenced and fined for the theft and we will continue to seek justice for victims of crimes such as this, holding those who engage in criminal activity accountable for their actions.

“If you have been a victim of a bike theft, we ask that you make a report to us as soon as possible.

“We also recommend that you take note of any identifying features and serial numbers on your bike, so that if the property is later recovered, we can return it to you as swiftly as possible.”

Reports can be made to police online or by calling 101.