Call the police, says cop

Shopkeeper asks cop for help while chasing thieves, is told to better call the police.

Shopkeeper asks cop for help while chasing thieves, is told to "better call the police."

A shopkeeper who asked a policeman for help while chasing thieves was left bemused when the cop told him: "You had better call the police."

Graham Taylor gave chase to two thieves who stole from his store in Hessle, East Yorkshire, and made off on foot, Daily Mail reported.

While chasing the duo, Taylor spotted an officer sitting in a marked patrol car and went over to ask for his assistance.

"I couldn't believe what he said when I asked for help," Taylor was quoted as saying.

"First he asked if I had reported it to the police, then asked if I had rang the police.

"He was the police; was I not reporting it there and then? Why do I need to ring the police to tell them when I told a police officer."

Taylor then called up the police, but it later came to light that the officers concerned missed the radio call as they were celebrating a colleague's retirement party inside the police station.

He then went to the police station and found a car decorated with brightly-coloured balloons.

He said: "The whole thing just became more and more farcical as we went on, it was like a scene from Carry on Constable. I have been raised to respect the police and the work they do. It is a really hard job and I appreciate that, but I was miserably let down when I needed them."