Security warning after bicycle thieves strike - The Malvern Observer

Security warning after bicycle thieves strike

Malvern Editorial 4th Mar, 2015 Updated: 20th Oct, 2016   0

RESIDENTS have been warned to stay vigilant following an overnight spate of burglaries in Welland and Upper Welland.

Between last Tuesday (February 24) and Wednesday (February 25) police received reports of five offences in the area – one of which saw £15,000 worth of cycling equipment stolen – and have since linked the incidents.

The £15,000 burglary happened between 5pm and 8am on Giffard Drive when thieves made off with a black Nukeproof downhill mountain bike, a black carbon fibre Specialized bike, a black and green Specialized bike, a red Lapierre cycle, a black and green carbon fibre Lapierre frame and a black and white full-face Fox helmet.

Owner Neil Tyler, who has only lived on the road for ten months, told the Observer of his devastation when he opened his garage to find the bikes had been taken.




“I was gutted, mortified,” the 30-year-old said. “It is not just a few bikes stolen, one bike was my wife’s wedding present which has been on our honeymoon and to countless trips to the Alps and Scotland.

“This is my money, my time and my life. Apart from my family my bikes are my life, my hobby, my lifestyle and now we have got nothing.


“The scary thing is they have not just opened my garage by chance, they must have been watching the house and that is what is upsetting my wife most.

“I don’t think the people who have done this are chancers who have taken them round the corner and hidden them in a flat. I have been round long enough to know they are probably gone now.

“Residents need to make it as hard as they can for these people and try and get them caught.”

Further incidents on the same night included a sat nav stolen from a vehicle again on Giffard Drive, three bikes taken from Chase Road – two of which have since been recovered – and another two cycles burgled from Merebrook Close.

Police also said two men were seen riding BMX bikes on Heathlands Close about 1.15am on February 25 and opened a car door but were spotted and deterred from any offence.

PC Allen Naulls from the Safer Neighbourhood Team added: “It appears these incidents are linked given the time and date they have occurred and the nature of the offences.

“We would urge people to double check their garages and sheds to make sure they are as secure as possible and also to immediately report any suspicious activity.”

Malvern Hills SNT have been running Operation Buzzard, a scheme aimed to provide crime reduction advice throughout the area, for the past month and residents can e-mail [email protected] for more information.

Anyone with further information on any of the offences can also contact officers on the non-emergency number 101 or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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