Nicked/caught/busted by the police!!

[sambistapt]

Hello amigos!

The thief was nicked/caught/busted by the police.

Can these 3 words be used interchangeably?

Thanks,

sambista

 

[Nelson Drake]

Yup. You could have your collar felt too!

 

[Josh_]

You would never hear 'nicked' in this context in AE. At least I've never heard it.

 

[Nelson Drake]

He was nicked last night is much more usual colloquially than, he was arrested in BE

 

[Nelson Drake]

Busted is more American and in the UK would usually imply drugs. "A drugs bust".

 

[Orange Blossom]

My understanding is that a person would not be nicked by the police or anyone else, but an item would be nicked by a thief.

She nicked the platter. <-- She stole the platter.

The platter was nicked. <-- The platter was stolen.
---------
He was busted by the police. <-- Informal usage.
He was caught by the police. <-- Formal usage
He was arrested by the police. <-- Another good option for formal use.

Orange Blossom