Police appeal for dash-cam footage of unusual bike theft

IF you were driving or cycling on Rivelin Valley Road near the fire station on Saturday January 16 at around 7pm and have a dash-cam or helmet camera, South Yorkshire Police are asking you to check your footage after an unusual bike theft.

Between 6.15pm and 7.45pm, the Cube e-bicycle in this picture was stolen by thieves who had attached their own D-lock preventing the owner from moving his own bike. When the owner went to find tools to cut off the lock, the thieves returned and cut off both locks and stole the bike.

Inspector Smith said: “We would also love to hear from anyone out walking who might recognise the bike in the picture and may have seen who stole it.

If you find on returning to your bike that someone has attached an additional lock please call 999 as this is a crime in action - someone has appropriated your bike and by treating it their own they have technically already stolen it, or at least attempted to.

“Do not leave the bike, wait with it until officers arrive to help. Keep your phone with you and in camera mode so that if anyone turns up to try and steal it you can video them - call the police while the video is still running so that we can use the footage later to identify anyone who turns up.

“We wouldn’t recommend attempting a citizen’s arrest or confronting the thief directly, but if you are able to film them from a distance this may discourage them from coming and finishing the job. Officers would be there as soon as possible to arrest suspects.

“Try to park your bike in places where there is CCTV or that is well lit and where people can see what is happening to it.

“We recommend fitting two types of lock, both a D-lock and a cable lock (around the wheels) as many thieves come with only the tools to tackle one type of lock. With determined thieves like these it might not be enough, but make it as difficult as you can.

“If you have an e-bike, immobilise it and make it less attractive by removing the battery if you’re going to be away from it for some time.

“If you have any information about the people responsible for this crime please get in touch with us by DM, or send information anonymously to Crimestoppers via their website at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/”