Fuming worker writes audacious letter to thief who targeted his bike

13 July 2023 , 13:09

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A JCB worker was left furious after he caught someone on CCTV trying to steal his motorbike, prompting his own investigation into who did it.

CCTV footage captured the moment a person broke Will Grieve's garden gate in Fenton, Staffordshire.

Will said Staffordshire Police did not visit the crime scene or come to investigate, it was reported.

Using social media, Will said he was able to get the name and address of the alleged thief and posted a picture of his face on his gate.

A message reads: "THIEF. I know who you are so keep your eyes open. You are all over social media and police are informed. I will find you."

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Will left up a sign as a warning

'I was angry and wanted to find him,' Will said

The 35-year-old told Stoke-on-Trent Live: “He jumped into my garden, removed the sheet my bike is under, jumped back over the wall, kicked down the gate, and then tried moving the bike not realising it was chained to the floor before giving up.”

Will added: “I found it all within three hours of coming home from work. I was angry and wanted to find him. I found out which street he lives on and his address. I’ve given it to the police.

“I’m grateful he wasn’t successful. But it’s one of them, now he’s spotted the security, is he going to come back with an angle grinder or knock the camera out of focus? I’ve had to increase security levels. I printed off his picture and put it on the back gate.”

The break-in damaged the gate and one of the bike headlights. He called police on 101.

Police are appealing for witnesses

Will added: “They gave me a crime reference number and said someone would be in contact with an email address to forward the footage and images to. It’s frustrating no-one came out to check the damage. It’s frustrating that I’ve got his address. Why hasn’t anyone been round to arrest him?

“He should be prosecuted and put in jail. He’s attempted to steal my bike. I only got my motorbike licence last year and despite having 10 years of no claims my first year of bike insurance was £2,000. You work hard to pay for these things and even with the high level of security someone still tried to take it and damaged it.

“I’d like to know he’s been sent down for some time to learn his lesson and make him see sense. It is what it is for now, and until I receive further information, there’s nothing I can do. It’s just a case of waiting.”

Police are appealing for witnesses following the incident.

A police spokesman said: "We received reports of an attempted motorbike theft from a home on Maud Street on Thursday (6 July). The victim, a man in his 30s, reported seeing a man who tried to take a blue Suzuki motorbike at 5.30am.

"The bike was not stolen but the suspect caused damage to a gate at the address. Local officers have spoken with the victim and have launched an investigation into the incident. We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage from the area at the time of the incident."