A THIEF who tried to hide from police in a bush has been banned from a town centre.

Police chased after the man yesterday after officers were told he had stolen meat from the Co-op in Wickford.

They arrived at the supermarket within a minute but than had to chase after the thief who ran off.

He was later caught hiding in a bush close to Wickford train station.

Police say he ran onto the tracks in order to find his hiding spot.

A spokesman said: “As well as being dealt with for the theft the male, from Harold Wood, has been given a Community Protection Warning not to return to Wickford.

“This condition will apply for one year.

“We will not tolerate thieves targeting shops in our district.”

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