Appeal for witnesses following robbery of e-bike in Swindon

We are appealing for witnesses following the robbery of an electric bike in Swindon.

On July 20, at around 9pm on the High Street in Old Town, the victim – a 13-year-old boy – was targeted while riding his electric bicycle and threatened with a knife by two males, who subsequently made off with the bike.

Two boys, aged 13 and 14, have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and have been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Volume Crime Team supervisor Daniel Cook said: “I’d like to appeal for any witnesses who were around the High Street at the time of the offence or who may have dashcam footage of the incident to please come forward and engage with us.

“We have arrested two people in connection with the offence and they have both been bailed with robust conditions while we continue with our investigation.

“We understand that incidents involving knives and bladed articles are causing a lot of community concern at present.

“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.”

There are security measures that you can take around your bike to ensure that if it is stolen, it is easier to track and locate.

Placing a tracker on your bike can enable officers to swiftly locate bikes, while getting your bike security marked can act as a visible deterrent to thieves when you have parked it somewhere.

You can also register your frame number on a national bike registration database approved by Secured by Design – an official police security initiative.

The frame number is usually found underneath the bike between the pedals or where the back wheel slots in.

If your bike is ever stolen and recovered by the police, it can be traced back to you.

It is also advised that owners invest in a sturdy lock and to always park your bike in a well-lit area.

For those with electric bikes, the batteries are the most frequently stolen part of the bike.

Consider taking the battery with you when parking your bike somewhere.