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Electric bike stolen from Energise E-bikes in St John’s Road, Tunbridge Wells

16:12, 11 September 2023

An electric bike worth around £3,000 has been stolen from a showroom.

Thieves targeted Energise E-bikes in St John’s Road, Tunbridge Wells, when the manager went into another room.

Energise E-bikes in St John's Road, Tunbridge Wells. Picture: Mike Clampitt
Energise E-bikes in St John's Road, Tunbridge Wells. Picture: Mike Clampitt

It is the first ever theft of an electric bike since the store, formerly known as Cycling Made Easy, opened in July 2015.

On Tuesday, August 29, manager Mike Clampitt was working on a repair in the workshop.

At around 3.30pm, two men allegedly rushed into the showroom, blocked the door and ran off with a Bergamont E-Horizon Edition bike, worth £2,999.

Once he was able to open the door, Mike chased the thieves but was unable to catch them.

They did not take keys or the battery charger, so it is possible that they will attempt to purchase these parts from other dealers.

The Bergamont E-Horizon electric bike was stolen from the store. Picture: Mike Clampitt
The Bergamont E-Horizon electric bike was stolen from the store. Picture: Mike Clampitt

“Our business is based on the premise that people can see and feel the e-bikes in the flesh – not just see a flat image on a screen and read a list of specifications,” Mike said.

“It would be more secure for us to become an online seller and have every bike locked up in a warehouse, but I don’t think that’s good for the customer and it’s not good for Tunbridge Wells if specialist retailers decide to leave.

“I think people want to have experts on their high streets.”

Mike described the suspects as white, of slim build and under the age of 20.

One was around 6ft and wore a dark grey Canada Goose puffer jacket and jeans, the other was around 5ft and had a black tracksuit top and jeans.

The thieves reportedly ran into the store, blocked the door and made off with a bike. Picture: Mike Clampitt
The thieves reportedly ran into the store, blocked the door and made off with a bike. Picture: Mike Clampitt

A police spokesman said: “We are investigating a report of the theft of an electric bicycle from a shop in St Johns Road, Tunbridge Wells.

“Inquiries are underway into the incident including the examination of potential CCTV footage.”

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is urged to call 01622 604100, quoting reference number 46/155340/23.

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