Don’t be conned by bike theft team

Police are warning anyone selling a bike to beware of con men who have been bagging three bikes a week in Bedfordshire.

One of their number poses as an interested buyer, sits on the bike and asks you to start it so he can hear the engine. He isn’t wearing a lid or other kit so you aren’t likely to be concerned. But he rides off, to meet a mate just round the corner who is ready with a spare lid and the two make a get away.

The ploy has been so successful in Bedfordshire that the conmen are now thought to be branching out across the country.

DS Geoff Barker of Bedfordshire police said: ” Don’t let anyone sit on your bike with the ignition keys in unless you know them well. ”