Two arrested after e-bike robbery in Walton Vale

We have arrested one man and a teenage boy on suspicion of robbery and handling stolen goods after several bikes were seized from an address in Netherton.

Yesterday (Thursday 20 November) we received a report of a robbery outside Iceland on Walton Vale.

Two victims were approached by a group of five males outside the Iceland store who demanded their bikes and claimed they had a weapon. The group then stole the two bikes from the two victims.

Officers investigating the incident found that one of the stolen bikes were fitted with an air tag which led them to an address in Netherton where the two bikes that were taken and two others suspected to be stolen were recovered and seized by police.

Officers also discovered suspected Class B drugs inside the property.

A 47-year-old man and 17-year-old boy from Netherton were arrested on suspicion of robbery and handling stolen goods. They were taken to a police station in Merseyside where they remain in custody.

Inspector Michelle Butland said: “Fitting your electric bike with a GPS tracking device like the victims of this crime can disrupt criminals who target such bicycles and help us recover stolen items.

“Bike thefts like these often fuels wider criminal networks and with more people purchasing electric bikes over the festive period it is now more important than ever to protect them and keep yourself safe by following our guidelines.

“Operation Gears is the campaign targeting the illegal use of electric bikes, e-scooters, and off-road motorcycles linked to serious crime, robberies and antisocial behaviour across the region.

“I hope these recent arrests shows that we will continue to use every tool available to us to disrupt criminality and make our roads, pavements and communities safer.”

How to keep you and your e-bike safe

E-bikes are valuable and are increasingly targeted by criminals. Here’s how to protect yours:

• 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.
• Lock your bike at recognised secure cycle parking. It should be well lit and covered by CCTV.
• Take the same care to lock your bike securely at home as you would on the street.
• 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.
• At night display lights to the front and rear so that other road users can see you.
• Wear light clothes or a florescent vest and it’s always advisable to wear a safety helmet.
• For more tips, go to: Protect your bike from theft | Merseyside Police.

If you see any illegal use of e-bikes, e-scooters, or electric motorcycles, please report it to us as soon as possible. Contact us via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/  or call 101, with reference 25000618357.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here:  https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously. In an emergency always call 999.