Teens Crash Stolen Motorcycle; Won’t Be Prosecuted

[advrider]

Imagine you live in the UK.  One day you come home to find your motorcycle has been stolen from your garage where it is locked and chained.  During the theft, the thieves even take the lock chain!

You purchased that machine with your hard-earned money.  It takes you to work weekdays and provides you with recreation and relaxation during the weekend.  You are angry beyond belief.

Sometime later, police sight three youths riding your stolen Honda CBR 125 motorcycle.  A pursuit ensues and the youths crash your pride and joy and the police arrest the trio.  Now you can safely assume that the three youths will be charged with stealing your bike.  Right?

Your troubles are over?

But not so fast.  A police sergeant calls to tell you that the police have no plans to prosecute the three for stealing your motorcycle.  What?  You mean that the police caught them riding my stolen motorcycle and they won’t be charged with its theft?  This can’t be true.

But unfortunately, this is not an imaginary story.  It’s what is happening to a UK motorcycle owner identified only as Ryan by Grimsby Live.  According to Humberside police Sergeant Terry Mellors, it is the situation Ryan faces.

“I fully appreciate how frustrating it is when your property is stolen and the impact this can have on victims.  For many this is a means of getting to work, earning a living and having this stolen can have a huge impact on their day to day lives. We understand this and we will follow up all viable lines of enquiry to find those responsible.

In this instance, we have carried out a full and thorough investigation into the burglary but there was insufficient evidence to link the three youths who were riding the bike to the scene of the break in.  We’re continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision on Littlecoates Road and charges in relation to this may be brought in the future.”

So charges may be brought in the future, but the police say they don’t have anything to charge the youths with presently.

Police have not charged the three teens who crashed Ryan’s CBR 125. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Things get worse

But for Ryan, things are about to get worse.  The insurance company refuses to repair or pay for his bike because there’s no “proof” that it was stolen.  Even worse, the police have not and will not release Ryan’s crashed motorcycle.  It’s still part of their ongoing investigation.  As a result, Ryan can’t determine whether the bike is repairable until police conclude their investigation.  Talk about a “Catch 22” situation.

I’m not familiar with UK law.  But I have to wonder why the trio can’t be charged with receiving stolen property or a similar charge.  The suspects were clearly riding Ryan’s motorcycle which he had previously reported stolen.  If they were charged with that offense, perhaps the insurance company would pay for repair/replacement of Ryan’s motorcycle?

What do you think about this story?  Should the police have charged the thieves with something?  Should the insurance company be forced to pay?  Let us know what you think in the comments below.

 

Featured image photo credit: Grimsby Live/Jon Corken

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