Machete Gang Targets Mountain Bikers

News

by Hannah Dobson November 1, 2022 22

Greater Manchester Police are investigating two robberies where mountain bikes were taken from riders leaving Farmer John’s Bike Park at Marple, outside Manchester. In both cases, the riders were riding home alone when stopped by a vehicle full of men carrying machetes.

Marin rider Leo Smith had a bike taken from him on 25th October, while another local rider TJ Preston reported a similar incident on 30th October. Different vehicles appear to have been used in the robberies, with Leo reporting a burgundy or red vehicle, and the second incident involving a silver one.

If you see this bike for sale, it’s stolen.

If you see this bike for sale, it’s stolen.

TJ described to us how it was still light when he was riding home, when a group of men in balaclavas got out the car and demanded his bike and phone. Since three of them were armed with machetes he didn’t put up a fight. He suggests that riders in the area should be wary of riding alone until this gang is caught.

Police have confirmed:

Incidents were reported to us on Cote Green Road on 25/10 and Glossop Road on 30/10 and are being actively investigated.
We have been patrolling the area and enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with useful information about these crimes should contact Greater Manchester Police.

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Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.

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This topic has 22 replies, 21 voices, and was last updated 2 years ago by imrobert.

Viewing 22 posts - 1 through 22 (of 22 total)

Machete Gang Targets Mountain Bikers
augustuswindsock
Full Member

Shit! That is seriously scary!

Posted 2 years ago

mrmoofo
Free Member

That’s Manchester for you 🙁

Posted 2 years ago

bfw
Full Member

Ummm its the same around here, Richmond Park/Hampton Court/Posh part of London/Surrey

Posted 2 years ago

ads678
Full Member

Kid got smacked with a cricket bat and his E-mtb taken somwhere near Brighouse, I’ve heard stories of people getting pushed into the canal or towpath blocked then set upon when rider stopped. Never had an issue my self near Leeds but heard stories aroufn these parts.

Its really shit that this stuff happens, I don’t let my lad take his nice bike to school, not that anything has happened, but I really need to build up a cheap bike to use for school/shops….

Posted 2 years ago

chakaping
Full Member

That’s Manchester for you

It’s a posh, semi-rural suburb on the edge of Great Mcr.

Not exactly Moss Side.

Posted 2 years ago

crazy-legs
Full Member

Ummm its the same around here, Richmond Park/Hampton Court/Posh part of London/Surrey

There was a spate of similar incidents on Layhams Road leading out into the Kent countryside from West Wickham area.

One of the main routes out for South London roadies.

Posted 2 years ago

matt_outandabout
Full Member

blimey.

Posted 2 years ago

beagle
Free Member

Posted a PSA on here a couple of days ago. Perhaps I need to work on the title on my threads 😳 Very scary and utterly pants.

Think Leo had a lead according to his instagram account. Hopefully some proper police work ongoing as suggested in the article.

Posted 2 years ago

mrmoofo
Free Member

^ I hope there is – as unless it is dealt with it will turn a lot nastier

Posted 2 years ago

noeffsgiven
Free Member

Sad thing is if they do catch them they’ll do little time behind bars if any, it’s amazing what scum get away with these days, even with a long history of crime from a young age there’s always some do-gooder willing to speak up for them with a sob story.

Posted 2 years ago

monkeycmonkeydo
Free Member

Bad type wealth redistribution in a deeply unequal society.I think, its about to get a whole lot worse in the next few years!Middle class keyboard anger is a waste of your energies.Even if very understandable.

Posted 2 years ago

bigrich
Full Member

Sad thing is if they do catch them they’ll do little time behind bars if any, it’s amazing what scum get away with these days, even with a long history of crime from a young age there’s always some do-gooder willing to speak up for them with a sob story.

It’s this attitude that is allowing the far right to erode your rights.

Posted 2 years ago

MoreCashThanDash
Full Member

It’s this attitude that is allowing the far right to erode your rights.

Good point, well made

Posted 2 years ago

shermer75
Free Member

Bad type wealth redistribution in a deeply unequal society.I think, its about to get a whole lot worse in the next few years!

Yup

Posted 2 years ago

molgrips
Free Member

Sad thing is if they do catch them they’ll do little time behind bars if any, it’s amazing what scum get away with these days, even with a long history of crime from a young age there’s always some do-gooder willing to speak up for them with a sob story.

This post represents a complete failure to understand the issues around crime and punishment.

Posted 2 years ago

robertajobb
Full Member

I think it gets the ‘punishment’ angle completely.

Posted 2 years ago

Bunnyhop
Full Member

We live in this area and it really is scary.
I’ve seen the police helicopter out a few times in the past week.

As beagle said in the original thread – once is bad enough but twice is dreadful.

Posted 2 years ago

fossy
Full Member

WTF – it’s down the road from me…

Posted 2 years ago

AlexSimon
Full Member

Yeah, I cycle around there on my CX bike from time to time. That’s pretty scary.

I’ve also been to Farmer John’s, but always drive. Really wouldn’t expect it around there, although there was a similar incident 3 or 4 years ago in New Mills iirc

Posted 2 years ago

fossy
Full Member

I pass FJ’s on my road bike training routes, it’s a very quiet area. My mate is always out on Glossop road. Have warned him.

Posted 2 years ago

imnotverygood
Full Member

This post represents a complete failure to understand the issues around crime and punishment.

Posted 2 years ago

imrobert
Full Member

Sounds very similar to what happened the other day to my nephew and his friend – only 15 years old and a car full of lads with machetes stole their bikes. Blow torch and pliers would be handy.

Posted 2 years ago

Viewing 22 posts - 1 through 22 (of 22 total)

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