Hunt for Richmond Park scooter bandits continues as victims mount

Pro racer and junior time trial champion among those to have bikes stolen by thieves on mopeds, reports James Shrubsall

- James Shrubsall

The number of victims of a recent spate of cycle thefts by scooter bandits in and around Richmond Park has now grown to up to five.

Victims include Alpecin-Fenix pro Alex Richardson and newly crowned junior time trial champion Mattie Dodd, as well as three other cyclists.

Richardson became one of three confirmed ‘bike mugging’ victims a fortnight ago when he was approached by four men on two motorcycles, who pursued him before knocking him off.

“They simply rode into me at 60kph,” he said. When he attempted to hold on to his bike, he was dragged along the ground and one of the attackers brandished a machete.

“At which point I thought better let the bike go,” Richardson, who rides for Alpecin-Fenix, wrote on Instagram.

He was left with cuts and bruises but quipped: “At least I got most of the ride in, even if no file to show for it!”