Cyclists warned of e-bike sales theft increase

E-bike owners have been warned to be vigilant after an increase in thefts and robberies in Bradford.

West Yorkshire Police said e-bike owners had travelled to Bradford from the North East, the Midlands and Kent to sell e-bikes only to be threatened by potential buyers and had them stolen.

Officers warned bogus buyers were also using fake banking apps that made it appear as if the money was transferred to the seller when no transfer had taken place.

Det Insp Andrew Queen said people were "making a business" out of stealing and selling e-bikes on.

"We're seeing an increase in this particular crime in Bradford where people are stealing these e-bikes when they are trying to be sold on legitimate social media sites," he said.

"The people involved in these kinds of crimes are taking quite sophisticated steps to pose as the buyer, they are creating fake profiles and even stealing other people's identities."

Police advised owners to meet potential buyers in a well-lit area with CCTV coverage and not to hand over any property until confirming the money had moved accounts.

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