Old bill in doing their job shocker

weren't the police taking name and address details in case he was lying? incase someone ran after them 30 min later saying 'my bikes been nicked'?

Why would he do that unless he was a nob?

police shouldn't let someone go if they suspect of theft, you can't assume someone is potentially guilty and not do anything.

there are plenty of reasons to not give the popo you name and address, the primary one being because you don't have to.