Bike theft victim is 'distraught'

A teenager from Wiltshire has been left “gutted” after becoming a victim of bike theft.

Jack Webb of Calne had used a padlock to secure his £1,500 bike, but the thief still managed to steal it in the middle of the afternoon from outside a high street bank.

“I was gone for about 50 minutes and when I got back I found the bike had been stolen, along with the lock. I don’t know how they unlocked it, but I was just gutted when I found out,” he said.

Mr Webb, who is a mountain bike enthusiast, is now hoping his bike insurance will be able to provide him with enough money to buy a new bicycle.

He added: “I worked during the summer last year at Porte Marsh industrial estate so I could afford the bike. Hopefully I can get some insurance money otherwise I guess I am going to have to try and save up again so I can afford another bike.”

Protect your bicycle from theft

Bikes are particularly vulnerable to theft – it’s the reason that an estimated 500,000 bikes are stolen each year in Britain. Furthermore, in the case of an accident cyclists may need to seek compensation or even deal with a claim by someone else. Cycle insurance from the ETA is fully comprehensive.

At no extra cost, it includes new-for-old replacement, cover for accidental damage, third party insurance, personal accident cover and if you breakdown, a van comes out to recover you and your bike.