Police warning over e-bike robberies and scams

Police in Bradford are investigating a spate of robberies and scams linked to e-bikes in the Holme Wood area of the city.

Officers said in some cases bikes had been stolen, while in others victims trying to sell e-bikes online had been scammed by criminals posing as prospective buyers.

The force said when victims arranged to meet buyers some had been either threatened and forced to hand over the bike, or tricked with banking apps to falsely indicate a payment has been made.

West Yorkshire Police have urged e-bike owners in the area to be vigilant.

Det Sgt Simon Turton said: "These crimes are often premeditated and can escalate quickly, and our teams are actively investigating and working to prevent further offences.

"We urge anyone listing high-value items online to take precautions and report anything suspicious."

Anyone selling an e-bike has been advised to arrange meetings in public, in well-lit areas, to avoid cash-only transactions and to verify a buyer's identity before going ahead with a deal.

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