Police help Horsforth theft victim get back on two wheels (From Wharfedale Observer)

Police help Horsforth theft victim get back on two wheels

10:00am Sunday 20th January 2013 in Local news By Jim Jack

A Horsforth teenager who was left devastated by the theft of his bicycle received an “amazing” surprise gift from local police.

PCSO Donna Town, of Aireborough and Wharfedale Neighbourhood Policing Team, was on patrol on Town Street when she came across 14-year-old Jason Hardy whose bike had just been stolen.

He and a friend had left their bikes outside a shop and gone in to buy a drink when they saw someone ride off on Jason’s bike.

Two of his friends tried to follow the man, but lost him.

When she took Jason and his friend home, PCSO Town discovered that the bike had been a recent present from his grandmother.

Despite a full investigation, the bike was never recovered.

So PCSO Town’s colleague, PC Matt Tarrant, came up with the idea of presenting him with a replacement from those that have been found by the police but not claimed by their owners.

Jason’s mother, Jan, said: “This was an amazing gesture by the officers.

“Jason was gutted when his new bike was stolen and he was really pleased to receive the replacement.”

Inspector Richard Coldwell, who heads Aireborough and Wharfedale NPT, said: “My officers pride themselves on being at the heart of the communities they serve.

“This heartwarming goodwill gesture by these two officers shows how they recognised that, although they couldn’t get Jason’s bike back, they could do something beyond the call of duty to put things right and put a smile back on his face.”

The replacement bike, due to be disposed of at a property auction, was fitted with new parts to make it fully roadworthy before being presented to the teenager.