South Shields pensioner, 84, devastated as thug stole his bike from Asda car park before heckling him

Officers are appealing to the public for information after a black and green Carrera pedal bike was stolen from a bike shed in ASDA car park in Boldon Colliery.

At about 3pm on Monday, April 27, the victim left the shop when a male - dressed in a dark hoodie - cycled past on a pedal bike and sarcastically shouted ‘Cheers mate!’ to the pensioner.

Confused, the 84-year-old made his way to the bike shed to go home but realised his bike had been stolen. The pensioner, of South Shields, has now urged anybody who may have information to come forward.

He said: “I was devastated when I realised my bike was gone. It was my pride and joy, I used it almost every day for journeys that I couldn’t manage on foot.

“I had no choice but to walk home with heavy bags of shopping after it had been stolen.

“The bike had all my personalised bits and pieces on such as the rear view mirror and water bottle carrier.

“I really hope anyone who knows where it is or who took it can forward as I would love to get it back, it was my only mode of transport.”

Officers continue to investigate the theft and are asking anyone with information to contact police.

PC Alan Morton, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an appalling example of an opportunist thief showing a total disregard for the law and the welfare of a vulnerable member of the public.

“It is especially disappointing that somebody could do this at a time when the overwhelming majority of people are pulling together and going above and beyond to look those most in need across our communities.

“We are determined to locate the bike and return it to the owner. We would now ask anybody with information – no matter how small – to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on the force's website quoting reference number 787 03/05/20.

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