Eastcote pensioner's bike theft anger

A KEEN cyclist had his 'rubbish' bike stolen after popping into a shop for just a few minutes.

Civil Engineer, John Gay, of Chandos Road, Eastcote, left the 60-year-old black bike outside Budgen's in Field End Road, Eastcote, at 4pm on Wednesday, July 16.

But when he came out he discovered the bike, which he rescued from a South Ruislip dump, had been stolen.

The 70-year-old said: "I didn't see anyone. It's my main way of getting around . It's a pity. I've never had anything stolen in my life. Now I've got to walk everywhere until I buy a new one. It makes you lose confidence in people."

Mr Gay spotted the bike at the dump five years ago. He re-sprayed the bike and fitted four gears.

He's since reported the theft to police.

Mr Gay added: "Someone somewhere might have just taken it to not walk. I'm sure they won't be able to sell it. They might have just left it propped against someone's wall."