Motorbike thief who taunted police with ‘catch me if you can’ sentenced

As part of Operation Acquire, GMP's neighbourhood operation officers in Neighboourhood Crime Teams across the force are keen to showcase the work that goes on behind the scenes to keep communities safe from crime. 

Mark Fay (09/08/1994) of Thoresway Road, Longsight has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after being found guilty on yesterday (22 November 2023) for the part he played in a string of motorbike thefts in Greater Manchester and the surrounding areas.

Whilst he was wanted by police, Fay contacted officers and told them to “catch me if you can”. The taunting words were mirrored in the captions of the videos he posted on social media which were found by officers tasked with locating him.

A lengthy investigation by GMP’s Central Neighbourhood Crime Team and District Tasking Team was launched, and in September 2023, Fay’s goading words became meaningless, as he was indeed caught, arrested, and charged with eight counts of theft of motor vehicle offences and three counts of handling stolen goods. He was remanded into custody where he will now remain as he serves his jail sentence.

Mark Fay

Police Constable Davies of GMP’s Central Divisional Tasking Team, said: “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.

“This showcases the lengths we take in our investigations - no matter how organised or sophisticated the group or individual may be, we will thoroughly investigate and put offenders away in jail.

“And our message to criminals is we can catch you, we will catch you and we will endeavour to catch all those who threaten the safety of our neighbourhoods in Greater Manchester.”

Anyone concerned about crime in their communities or anyone with information can report it online at www.gmp.police.uk.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.