Witnesses are being sought after an electric bike was stolen during a robbery on Old Town’s High Street on July 20th, at approximately 9 pm.
The victim, a 13-year-old boy, was riding his electric bicycle when two male suspects brandished a knife and threatened him before making off with the bike.
Swindon Police have arrested two boys, aged 13 and 14, on suspicion of robbery. They have been released on bail while the investigation continues.
Daniel Cook, the supervisor of the Volume Crime Team, urges anyone who was present in the area at the time of the incident or may have dashcam footage of the event to come forward and assist with the investigation.
“We understand that incidents involving knives and bladed articles are causing a lot of community concern at present,” he said.
“We are working hard to educate our young people on the dangers of carrying knives and encouraging them to make difference choices with their lives.
“If you can help us with this incident, please contact us on 101 quoting reference 54230076486.”
In an effort to prevent bike thefts, there are several security measures that bike owners can adopt.
Placing a tracker on the bike can aid officers in quickly locating stolen bikes.
Additionally, security marking your bike serves as a visible deterrent to potential thieves.
Bike owners can register their frame numbers on a national bike registration database approved by Secured by Design, a police security initiative. The frame number can usually be found underneath the bike between the pedals or where the back wheel slots in. This registration helps in tracing the bike back to its rightful owner in the event of theft and recovery by the police.
For electric bike owners, it is essential to take extra precautions as bike batteries are frequently targeted by thieves. Consider taking the battery with you when parking your bike to mitigate the risk of theft.
To protect your bike, invest in a robust lock and always park it in well-lit areas. These simple steps can significantly reduce the chances of bike theft and enhance the chances of recovering the stolen property.
If you have any information related to this incident, please contact the authorities at 101, quoting reference 54230076486. Your cooperation can help ensure the safety of the community and aid in preventing future crimes.
