Our neighbour was assaulted this week on the Wandle Trail and robbed of his expensive electric bike. He has given permission for us to publish this so that others can take appropriate precautions. He is 78 years old but not what we would term "vulnerable". 6' 4", fit and well built and a regular cyclist over long distances.
This is his account.
"Last Thursday (16th September 2025) I was cycling along the Wandle Trail at 10:15 am in the north-bound direction where the path (going towards London) leaves the river and goes up a slope to the park road, near the Imperial Playing Fields. Two white youths on an electric motorbike, no registration, dressed in black hoodies and balaclavas passed me in a south-bound direction. I continued cycling but they turned around and chased me, by which time I had reached the unnamed park road to turn right past Tooting and Mitcham Football Club ground. They repeatedly rammed my bike from the rear and the side with threatening language. On the fourth attempt I was knocked into the brambles on the side of the park road. They stole my bike and made off in the direction of London Road/ Bishopford Road; I was injured, fortunately just bad bruises, lacerations and grazes.
'I keep my phone in my pocket so I was able to call the police. The 999 operator was helpful and the police came quickly. The bike was recovered by the police as it had a tracker fitted and I was able to tell them the location where it was dumped (Lower Morden Lane). However, the bike was trashed with everything forcibly wrenched off it, and the saddlebag containing my prescription glasses and GoPro video camera was missing."
Paul & Maggie
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