Police 'stole' four bikes secured to a fence using heavy-duty bolt cutters...and not a single person reported the crime Part of a crackdown after more than 2,100 bikes were stolen last year Senior officers 'shocked' at public's apathetic attitude to the crimes 'Report crime or you could be the next victim' - police advice to bystanders Undercover police officers armed with bolt cutters brazenly 'stole' four bikes in a crowded city centre - but no-one bothered to report the crime. Tourists and shoppers in Cambridge turned a blind eye as the plain-clothed pair hacked the bicycles from a fence in the historic city centre. And bystanders still failed to act even when one officer flagrantly pulled a pair of bright orange heavy-duty bolt cutters from a bag and started removing the chain lock. Undercover: Police officers in Cambridge prove how easy it is to steal a bike, walking off with three in broad daylight Shocked: Officers said it was 'shocking' that no-one reported the crime, despite bolt-cutters being used The 'crime' took place as Cambridgeshire Constabulary attempted to gauge public awareness of bike crime following a spate of thefts in the university city. Last year more than 2,100 bicycles were reported stolen. Senior officers said they were shocked by the apathetic response to the fake thefts. The force is urging people who witness a crime being committed to report it to officers straight away. Sergeant Andrea Gilbert, said: 'The CCTV is shocking because the thefts are blatant. 'Yet despite a large number of people witnessing the crime we didn't receive a single call. The police operation came as a crackdown is launched to tackle crime in the city. Last year more than 2,100 bikes were stolen in Cambridge Sadly people are too reliant on others to report crime, but we need everyone to play their part. 'If you don't call police it means those thieves are potentially free to strike again - and next time you could be the victim. 'We are committed to tackling bicycle crime, which is an ongoing issue in the city, but we need the public's help.' Retired Anna Riccio, 76, said: 'I would call the police and maybe try to talk to the person and ask what they are doing. 'But the problem is they wouldn't say if they were stealing it anyway.'