Sheffield birthday boy devastated as new bicycle is stolen

THIEVES have left a schoolboy broken-hearted after they stole the new BMX he had received for his eighth birthday.

Jesse Urhobo had just parked up his beloved bike in his garden on Leighton Road, Gleadless Valley, Sheffield, when thieves jumped over the wall or unlocked the gate to ride off on his prized possession.

The Valley Park Community Primary School pupil had received the bike from his mum Erijo only two weeks earlier.

Erijo, a student, also works as a dinner lady and had spent months saving up the £130 she needed to buy the bike for her eldest child.

She said her son is ‘devastated’ by the theft.

“All he wanted was a bike but they are so expensive,” said Erijo.

“So I saved and saved and saved, and on his birthday I took him to Toys R Us as a surprise - he was so excited.

“It was lovely to see him so happy in the shop choosing which bike he wanted.

“He has been really upset because he was really proud of the bike.

“I think whoever took it knew he had it and was waiting for an opportunity to get it.

“They have probably sold it and now I have to try to save up again for another.

“I can’t believe that after just two weeks somebody would take a bike from a little boy.”

Erijo said a group of youths had been seen close to her home on the day the bike was stolen. She has notified South Yorkshire Police of the theft last Monday, and urged anyone who knows who is responsible to contact officers.

Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers on            0800 555 111      .

(Reproduced from The Star, 6th Sept)

Gardien Comment: Bike security is a major issue. See the article at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/bike-security-print.htm