A MUM has blasted police for not getting her son’s scooter back from a known offender who stole it five days ago.

Max Whitaker, 17, was devastated when his silver scooter was taken from outside his home in Friars Street, Shoebury.

When his friends saw it being ridden through Friars Park by the known culprit they thought the case was cut and dry and Max would soon have his bike back.

However, they had to wait a day for police to take a statement, and are still waiting for the suspect to be questioned days later.

Exasperated mum, Victoria Pallen, 39, said: “We’ve practically solved the crime for them. We know who it is. What concerns me is that my boys will steal it back and get themselves into trouble or get hurt. I don’t want my sons taking the law into their own hands.”

Max had been working hard at his Saturday job to save £650 to buy the Peugeot Speedfight2 moped last June.

He has lost all his A-level coursework, which was stored inside the moped, and is now having to work hard to replace it.

Mrs Pallen added: “My son is so upset because he’s saved a lot of money to buy this thing, and somebody is riding it round under his nose.”

An Essex Police spokeswoman said they had not yet interviewed the suspect.

She said: “Officers have worked with the family to search a number of locations. Officers continue to investigate.”