Two men have been sentenced after stealing an electric bike from a 13-year-old child.
Declan Hughes, aged 23 of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to robbery and was sentenced to two years and four months in prison.
Ryan Bond, also 23, of High Cragg Close, Kendal pleaded guilty to theft and was sentenced to one year in prison.
The victim, a 13-year-old boy, was attempting to sell his electric bike and had been contacted via a snapchat account interesting in purchasing the bike.
The boy, along with family members, arranged to meet the buyer – later identified as Hughes – in Oxenholme to exchange the bike for an agreed price.
Hughes began to view the bike, but shortly after pushed the victim to the ground before riding away on the bike.
As Hughes rode away, Bond was waiting behind a nearby hedge and jumped on the rear of the bike.
As the pair rode away, a mobile phone was dropped on the floor by Hughes.
The bike was later located outside the address of Bond and Hughes was located hiding in the loft. Both were arrested.
Detective Constable Dayna Baguley said: “This was a coordinated effort to steal the victim’s property and thankfully he was not seriously injured during this incident.
“Hughes showed no hesitation in using violence against a defenceless child.
“I hope both Hughes and Bond take time to reflect on their appalling behaviour.
“This incident should also serve as a reminder to ensure necessary safety measures are in place to ensure if your bike is stolen, it can be tracked and recovered by police.”
Cumbria Police has issued some e-bike safety tips:
- Find and keep a record of the frame number. This usually stamped into the frame. This is an important number should your e-bike be stolen.
- Use a high-quality lock and secure your bike when not in use.
- Register your bike with a security marking scheme such as Bike Register and consider fitting a GPS tracking device.
- Attend a free bike marking event where officers will mark your bike for free. Visit your local policing Facebook page for upcoming event details.
