Bike and Bike Thieves Nabbed After String of Daring London Raids
Alfie Bruynel, 20, from Tadworth Court, N11, is heading to prison for two years plus an 18-month driving ban. Not far behind, David Curtis, 20, of Holloway Road, N19, landed a 12-month jail sentence plus an extra three months for breaking a suspended sentence. Both sentences handed down at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
Sticky Fingers Caught Red-Handed
- Bruynel admitted to multiple crimes including aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified, handling stolen goods, and drug possession.
- Curtis pleaded guilty to three vehicle thefts, stealing a pedal cycle, and carrying tools for theft.
These two crooks caught police attention in March 2020. After a thorough investigation that involved covert operations and tracking CCTV, both were arrested following raids on their homes. The investigation took longer due to Covid restrictions, but justice caught up with them.
Crimes on Record: From Brompton Bikes to Ducati Motorbikes
- On 7 October 2019, Curtis was identified by CCTV stealing a Brompton bike in EC1.
- He was later caught riding a stolen £14,000 BMW motorbike, carrying burglary tools.
- Bruynel was spotted doing wheelies on a stolen Piaggio Vespa in N7 last March.
- Both were caught loading an £8,000 stolen Ducati motorcycle into a van.
- They even threatened a recovery driver and re-stole a Piaggio Vespa, only to have it taken again by police.
- Final arrest followed a £10,000 Yamaha TMAX motorbike theft in May 2020.
Police Speak Out: No Place for Crime on Our Streets
“This is an excellent result that puts two criminals behind bars,” said PC Kate Dennell from the Venice Investigation Team. “Both have committed multiple crimes over months. This kind of behaviour has no place on our streets.”
“Victims of theft suffer long after the items are gone. I hope these men use their time to reflect on the damage they’ve caused to London’s people.”
See Something? Say Something
If you spot anything fishy or have info on crime, you don’t have to speak to police directly. Contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111. They won’t ask for your name or trace your call or IP address. Help keep your community safe!
