A Nottingham man is urging the public to help identify three suspects caught on CCTV attempting to steal his motorbike from his rear garden during the early hours of the morning. The failed theft has left residents in Aspley increasingly frustrated over the rise in bike crime across the city.
Caught on Camera: 3 Suspects in Coordinated Attempt
The incident occurred at approximately 5:30 AM earlier this week when Adrian, a local resident, was alerted by his wife after she spotted three masked individuals tampering with their motorcycle. The suspects had broken the steering lock and snapped the brake lever, dragging the bike to the driveway before fleeing when the blinds were opened.
The group also stole a Blink doorbell camera, attempting to cover their tracks, though partial CCTV footage captured:
- A male in a black puffer jacket and black trainers with white laces
- Another suspect wearing a jacket with two white stripes and a yellow badge
- A third dressed in a black and grey jacket
Police Response and Community Anger
Despite providing detailed descriptions and footage, Adrian claims the police have not responded in person, a common complaint across Nottinghamshire. He wrote on Facebook:
“I’ve worked hard for what I’ve got, and to pay the police to do a job to help protect that… this country is doomed.”
Social media echoed his frustration, with one user posting on X:
“Bike theft is out of control in Notts, and police just hand out crime numbers.”
Bike Theft Epidemic in Nottingham
According to Stolen-Bikes.co.uk, 781 bikes were reported stolen in Nottinghamshire last year, with areas like Aspley, Bulwell, and Hucknall emerging as hotspots. The Office for National Statistics recorded over 65,000 bike thefts in England and Wales in 2023, many of which go unreported due to public distrust in police follow-up.
Police and Public Working Together
While Adrian’s case has not yet prompted a formal appeal from Nottinghamshire Police, similar past incidents, such as the 2023 Nuthall e-bike theft, have seen successful identifications via CCTV. Community-led recovery efforts, supported by police, have returned almost 100 stolen bikes in the past year, per Nottinghamshire Live.
The police advise anyone with footage or information to call 101 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111. They also warn against taking vigilante action.
How to Protect Your Bike
Experts and law enforcement recommend the following to prevent motorbike and bicycle theft:
- Use Sold Secure Gold-rated locks
- Register your bike with BikeRegister
- Install CCTV or video doorbells
- Store bikes in locked and anchored sheds or garages
- Fit GPS trackers for real-time location monitoring
Conclusion
The Aspley motorbike theft attempt is yet another reminder of rising urban crime and under-resourced policing. While Adrian’s bike wasn’t stolen, the emotional and financial impact remains. His footage, now circulating locally, may help identify the culprits — but it also spotlights Nottingham’s ongoing struggle with theft and justice.
