A BRAZEN shoplifter was clearly caught on CCTV but police only called at the Saltaire off-licence to collect the film of the evidence four weeks after the crime due to an 'administration error'.

The middle-aged man in a baseball cap and his male accomplice struck on Thursday, March 10, after calmly wandering around Saltaire Wines and Post Office in Bingley Road.

And although owner Dipak Patel contacted police that day and told them of the footage, it was only this week that a Police Community Support Officer called to gather the evidence.

"I was very surprised no-one came round straight away and at first wondered if it was because it was only a £9.99 bottle of wine," said Mr Patel, who has run the shop for ten years.

"Officers have come out before when it's been something like a bottle of spirits for £30 and I would have expected them this time as well because a crime's a crime."

Mr Patel contacted Shipley MP Philip Davies to ask if there was new policy regarding a minimum value of goods which had to be stolen in order to warrant a police investigation.

"He said he would ask the Police Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable," said Mr Patel, who has now received an apology from West Yorkshire Police for the delay.

Mr Davies confirmed he had taken the matter up and was awaiting responses.

Mr Patel was not in his shop when the crime took place and it was being staffed by his wife Gauri and colleague Graham Charman when the two suspicious men came in to steal.

"As the video shows these two men come in and go to the back of the shop, my wife comes down to have a look at them, but when she's not looking the one in the baseball cap reaches out, picks up a bottle of red wine and shoves it inside his coat," said Mr Patel.

"Graham followed them out and patted the thief on the back, but didn't feel anything and so they got away."

Detective Chief Inspector Terry Long, of Bradford District Police, said: "We have apologised to Mr Patel for the delay in collecting the footage which is now being processed for inquiries.

"The delay was caused by an administration error on the crime which appeared to show that CCTV footage of the offence was not available.

"Each crime is regularly reviewed by managers to make sure that all lines of inquiry are followed up and that victims are receiving the service they should expect.

"Inquiries into this theft are continuing and anyone who recognises the suspects is asked to contact police on 101, quoting crime reference 13160106604, or to report anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."