CCTV footage showing a child’s bike being stolen in broad daylight in Bexley is being shared to help catch the brazen thief.

 

 

A £449 Carrera Vengeance bike was taken from outside the Nisa shop in Bexley High Street while the boy, 12, was getting his hair cut on Sunday (September 27).

The victim’s dad Keith Powell, 42, knows the owners of the shop and was able to look at their video late on Sunday night.

He said: “The man was walking around, stalking the area for five or 10 minutes.

“He took out his cutters from his back pocket, snapped the lock chain and then took off at exactly 12.13pm.

News Shopper:

Man cuts the chain lock

“Thankfully, in the footage you can see his face, so I’m hoping someone recognises him.”

People were alerted to a video in a tweet showing the offender clearly breaking the chain and then riding off on the bicycle.

The tweet was posted on Monday evening and got more than 1,000 retweets in just under six hours.

Mr Powell's youngest son had borrowed his older brother’s bike to journey the short distance to get a haircut at Blade the Barber.

The assistant headteacher at a school said: “My son was pretty shocked.

“He was even scared telling his mum and I because he thought he’d get told off.

“My kids have grown up on Bexley High Street and this crime has happened right on their doorstep.

“I was shocked too, not just with the theft, but how blatant it was in broad daylight - he didn't have a care in the world.

“When I heard of the theft, I was expecting it to be from a group of troublemaking teens, not a man of his age.

“A thing like this leaves a bitter taste in your mouth.”

With support on social media, Mr Powell has a clear message for the thief.

News Shopper:

Once successful, he rides off down an alleyway

He said: “This man needs to think of the impact that he has on others and the lasting effects it has on young people.

“I am a great believer in what goes around comes around.”

A Police spokeswoman confirmed: "Police are investigating the theft of a bicycle taken from Bexley High Street on Sunday September 27.

"So far no arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing." 

More to follow.

Do you know this man or have any information? Email: jake.bacon@london.newsquest.co.uk