A FURIOUS shopkeeper chased a thief down the street to get his stolen bacon back — and posted footage of the encounter on the internet.

Thief Paul McGuiness was on a shoplifting spree in Prestwich and got more than he bargained for when he targeted the Akhtar Newsagents, also known as Zeds Convenience Store, in Bury Old Road.

He fled after being caught red-handed but the 35-year-old, of Warwick Street, Prestwich, was pursued by shopkeeper Moheeb Akhtar in what police have described as “a robust challenge” for the return of the meat.

And in a move designed to deter others from shoplifting Mr Akhtar upload his mobile phone footage to YouTube.

Bury Times: Bacon thief Paul McGuiness

Bacon thief Paul McGuiness

In the video, Mr Akhtar can be heard trying to get his stolen bacon back after McGuiness had hidden it down his trousers.

Behaving somewhat sheepishly, McGuiness tries to hide his face while returning the stolen food, and he then runs off, with Mr Akhtar not far behind.

Mr Akhtar can be seen shouting at him: "I want my bacon back."

He said: “When I confronted him he wasn’t bothered, he wouldn’t hand over any of the bacon.

“He was a lot taller than me so the only thing I could think to do was just pull out my phone and film him.

“That was the only thing I thought would intimidate him and it worked. He handed all the bacon over.

“Some of my customers have seen the video and can’t believe it’s me because I’m obviously polite and friendly with them, but this really wound me up.

“People think they can come into small businesses and steal, but I hope this video serves as an example that we won’t stand for stealing.”

Bury Times: Moheeb Akhtar who confronted Paul McGuiness after he stole bacon from his family-run shop

Moheeb Akhtar who confronted Paul McGuiness after he stole bacon from his family-run shop

On Friday McGuiness appeared at Bury Magistrates' Court and admitted that he stole £20 of bacon from the shop on May 20.

He also pleaded guilty to two other shoplifting charges.

The first also took place on May 30, when McGuiness stole £130 worth of pet accessories from Pets At Home in Bury New Road, Prestwich.

In the second incident, the thief stole £25 of food from the Village Greens co-operative shop, also in Bury New Road, Prestwich.

McGuiness was given a 12-month conditional discharge, which means he could be jailed if he commits further offences within the next year.

He must also pay Pets At Home £130 compensation and Village Greens £25 compensation, and a £25 victim surcharge.