7:00am Saturday 20th March 2010
By Gina Marden
A MUM has told how her ten-year-old son was left traumatised after yobs stole his new bike.
The schoolboy even tried to chase the thieves, but was warned off by other children who told him the thieves had a knife.
The mum, a 36-year-old woman from Basildon who did not want to be named, said: “I want other parents to be aware this is happening. These kids are just thugs.
“My son was really upset. I feel like I don’t want to let him out in case he gets faced with older boys again.”
The lad was playing with friends in Swanmead Park off Church Road, Basildon, on his new blue and white mountain bike with the name Les’s Cycle’s on it.
He was approached by two older boys, who wanted to borrow the bike. His mum said her son felt threatened and and reluctantly handed the £150 cycle over. The thugs fled.
The victim’s mum added: “My son had only had the bike a couple of days and it wasn’t insured.
“I’m not so much worried about the bike. I want other children to be careful too.”
Donna Veasey, spokeswoman for Essex Police, said officers are investigating the theft which happened at around 4.50pm on Tuesday.
One of the thugs was aged around 14 while his accomplice is thought to be about 17. One was wearing a distinctive green plastic cross pendant. Witnesses can call 0300 3334444.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.echo-news.co.uk/trade_directory/