Four in court following commercial burglary which saw £50k-worth of electric bikes stolen

Four people appeared before Newport Crown Court charged with a commercial burglary which happened in March 2021.

On March 7, 2021, intruders forced access into Ride Bike Wales at Talbot Green Business Park, from where around £50,000 of electric bikes were stolen.

Investigations completed by staff from the Territorial Crime Team revealed in the days prior to the burglary, the culprits, who were from Bristol had completed a reconnoitre of the premises.

Officers completed ANPR checks and after liaison with colleagues from Avon and Somerset went to Bristol, where they were able to locate the suspects and following searches, items linking them to the burglary including hand-written notes and distinctive clothing.

Four people were arrested with two of them pleaded guilty at an early stage. Two others elected for trial by jury and found guilty.

On Monday July 10 Daniel Harris, 36 and John McNama, 50, both from Bristol were both sent to prison for 28 months.

In addition, Carolyn Lyons, 53, from Stoke Gifford received 12 months suspended for 18 months and Ashley Headington, 31 from Bristol was sentenced to 19 months imprisonment suspended for 24 months.

Detective Constable Philip Williams of Merthyr Tydfil CID said:

“This was a detailed investigation which resulted in the conviction of four offenders who had carefully planned their crime.
“Travelling from Bristol to Talbot Green to research the area before returning to break into the premises and stealing several high-value electric bikes.
“By studying ANPR data and linking up with our partners in Avon and Somerset Police we were able to identify those responsible and bring them before the court.
“This was a very distressing incident for the victim who had to deal with a considerable amount of damage to their property as well as the disruption to their business.
“I am pleased that we have been able to bring those responsible to justice and provide a satisfying result for the victim.”