Wigan police arrest man for taking vacuum cleaner that was offered for free

Officers from Greater Manchester Police's Wigan district took to social media today (Wednesday March 24) to boast that they had arrested a male on suspicion of stealing the Shark vacuum cleaner from a Wigan address.

The man was detained in the Standish Lower Ground area, and was taken into custody for questioning.

The force appealed for anyone who might recognise the item to come forward, as well as urging any burglary victims to get in touch.

However, events took a sudden turn when the owner of the vacuum cleaner commented on the post.

She revealed that the Shark had not been stolen but had, in fact, been intentionally left outside her home for anyone who wanted to take it, after purchasing a new one.

The woman said: "This was mine I put it on the front last night if someone wanted to take it or the scrap man along with a dyson hoover both in working order no use to me."

She then reported that she had called 101 to explain the situation in hopes of helping to secure the man's freedom.

When others speculated over whether the suspect was also arrested for any other offences, the vacuum cleaner's owner responded: "I have no idea but he didn’t steal [the Shark]."

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