A bicycle owner in Regent’s Park was focused by hammer-wielding robbers who stole his £4,200 bike in a terrifying assault. The incident, caught on video, exhibits the second Patrick Conneely, 33, was confronted by two males on a moped whereas using within the early morning, as reported by DailyMail.
Conneely, from Leyton, east London, was finishing a lap across the park’s Outer Circle when the suspects handed him, inspected his bike, then turned again to pursue him. One of many attackers jumped off the moped and shouted at him at hand over the bike. When Conneely refused, the thief pulled a hammer from the moped’s high field and threatened him earlier than grabbing the bike and escaping.
The assault is a part of a disturbing pattern of violent robberies in Regent’s Park, the place cyclists gathering earlier than daybreak have been repeatedly focused by criminals armed with weapons, DailyMail reported. Many victims say they’ve been knocked off their bikes or threatened with sharp objects thrown below their wheels. Fearful riders are calling for elevated police presence, with considerations mounting that the Metropolitan Police’s response has been insufficient.
The Met insists it’s taking the issue significantly, deploying each plainclothes and uniformed officers to patrol earlier than the park formally opens. Chief Inspector John Hine of the Royal Parks unit mentioned the drive is prioritising these crimes and growing patrols, particularly at night time and within the early morning hours. Nonetheless, many cyclists stay unconvinced, saying patrols usually start too late to discourage the thieves, who sometimes strike between 5.45 am and seven am.
Sean Epstein, chairman of Regent’s Park Cyclists, warned that the assaults are having a chilling impact on biking within the capital. He cited police information displaying 768 violent bike thefts in London over the previous 12 months, averaging 15 per week. A ballot amongst native cyclists revealed that 91% felt much less secure as a result of rising variety of assaults, with many decreasing their time within the park consequently.
Bethan Lloyd-Glass, a 52-year-old Pilates teacher from Muswell Hill, was additionally focused whereas biking to the park at 5.45 am. She was thrown to the bottom by two males on a bike who stole her £8,000 Trek Émonda. Police briefly tracked the suspects on CCTV however didn’t apprehend them.
The Met has inspired cyclists to register their bikes to make them simpler to hint if stolen. Nonetheless, with violent thefts persevering with, many riders say they now really feel like “sitting geese” in what needs to be considered one of London’s most secure areas for train and recreation.
