A product developer working for Muc-Off proved the value of his own invention when it tracked down and brought to justice thieves who stole his £7,000 eBike.

The team member, who wishes to remain anonymous, had developed the company’s Stealth Tubeless Tag Holder.

It houses an Apple AirTag mounted inside the tubeless tyre.

Users can track any item from their iPhone, using the Find My app.

Once activated, the item to which the tag is connected appears on the radar within the app.

Tracking down the item can then be as simple as looking on the map.

Fortunately the unnamed employee had fitted the product to his £7,000 Cannondale Moterra Neo eBike.

After realising the eBike had gone he immediately contacted Dorset Police but the force claimed it was unable to help with the matter

But within the space of a few hours, the AirTag showed the Cannondale had already been transported over 250 miles north, from Dorset to Cheshire.

Police in Widnes were contacted who said the location was an address they were familiar with.

Officers visited the property and arrested the thieves responsible.

Crucially they recovered the eBike which was in their possession at the time of the raid.

The Muc-Off staff member said: “I’m obviously hugely relieved to get my bike back.

“But the icing on the cake is that our creation played such a pivotal role in recovering it.

“It’s testament to the effectiveness of the product and highlights the importance of investing in security measures to protect high-value assets like eBikes.

“My hope is that this story deters bike thieves and sends them a message that we are fighting back with innovative solutions.

“We’re just getting started.”

The Stealth Tubeless Tag Holder & 44mm Valve Kit retails for £35.00.

Poole-based Muc-Off was launched as X-Lite UK by Rex and Marilyn Trimnell 32 years ago.

After designing and manufacturing the world’s first twin crown bicycle fork, Rex created a perfectly pink spray to clean his kit.

His invention led to today’s Muc-Off which has become a global leader in bicycle and motorcycle care and performance.

• muc-off.com