Masked Gang Steals Blood Biker's Motorcycle in Castle Bromwich Daylight Raid
A masked gang of thieves has stolen a Yamaha motorbike from a rapid blood biker in a bold daylight robbery in Castle Bromwich, causing extensive property damage and disrupting critical medical supply deliveries.
Details of the Brazen Theft
The incident occurred on Water Orton Road in Castle Bromwich shortly before 5:30pm on Saturday, March 28. The gang, arriving on two mopeds with two members on foot, forced entry by damaging the gate lock to access the property. Once inside, they used hammers to break the motorbike's steering lock and a Kryptonite Disklok security device.
Despite triggering alarms and being recorded on surveillance cameras, the thieves managed to wheel the Yamaha 900 Tracer motorbike up the road. Police responded within 15 minutes, but the gang had already escaped with the vehicle, which they could not start and pushed for approximately a mile before vanishing.
Impact on Blood Supply Deliveries
The bike's owner, Gary Smith, is a dedicated rapid blood biker who uses the Yamaha to transport urgent blood supplies for medical emergencies. He was away during the theft but watched the events unfold via phone alerts and was notified by his lawn maintenance workers. Gary expressed deep distress over the loss, particularly due to the vandalism to his property, which included £1,000 in damage to the gate.
He believes the gang had previously scouted his home about a month earlier, when an intruder was caught checking the bike but fled after an alarm sounded. The stolen motorcycle, valued at around £4,500 though originally costing £7,000 new, is crucial for his life-saving volunteer work.
Reward Offered and Police Investigation
In response to the theft, Gary is offering a substantial reward for information that leads to the return of the bike or the arrest and conviction of those responsible. He described the thieves as "lawless" and emphasized the importance of recovering the vehicle for his community service.
West Midlands Police are actively investigating the case, conducting house-to-house enquiries and reviewing CCTV and dashcam footage. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact them via Live Chat or by calling 101, quoting the relevant crime reference number.
This incident highlights growing concerns about property crime in the area and the vital role of volunteers like Gary in supporting healthcare services.
