During the afternoon of July 24, in the Pantiles area of Bexleyheath, my son had his brand new bike stolen.

The thief befriended my son, and his friends, before persuading them all to swap and try each others bikes.

Once he had the bike he wanted -- my son's -- he rode off in the direction of Belmont School.

What a wonderful start to the summer holidays.

The thief was aged about 16 and was wearing a baseball cap, black and white striped shirt, and cream-coloured joggers. Do you know who he might be?

My son is devastated, especially as he had waited so long for his bike. Planned activities for the summer have now been ruined.

If the thief reads this letter I hope he has the decency to think again and return the bike to the nearest police station, but somehow I doubt it!

Other parents beware! You must warn your children.

The cycle was a yellow mountain bike with full suspension and a reward is on offer for any information which may lead to the recovery of it.

Mrs M Stowell

Bexleyheath

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.