Thieves steal 18 bikes from school pupils in East Ham

The shipping container was found with just 12 bikes, when there should have been 30. Picture: Ken Mears (Image: Archant)

On July 11, staff at Brampton Primary School noticed the shipping container holding the pupil’s bikes had been broken into.

After investigating, they found just 12 bikes out of 30 left in the shed.

“It happened at about 3.30am, and it was discovered at midday the next day,” Patrick said, who’s in charge of extra-curricular activities.

“The bikes are kept in a big shipping container, with a great big padlock on the doors and hooks inside the shed which the bikes are hung on.

“We couldn’t even find bits of the padlock left on the lock – we found it discarded nearby.”

The containers are kept at the back of the school, where there’s a blindspot from the main building. CCTV had been installed, but Patrick said the thieves had ripped out all the cables from the security cameras.

The bikes were bought using funding from Transport for London and cycling charity Sustrans. They’re used by Years Three to Six in after school clubs, and for bike ability courses during half term.

“I work with the young people on extra curricular activities so when stuff like this happens, it means I can’t do anything with the children,” Patrick said.

“We haven’t really told them yet – even talking about it now makes me a bit emotional.”

Patrick said that although the bikes were insured, the money isn’t the most upsetting factor.

He said: “We have a huge issue with childhood obesity in the borough so these bikes helped the children to keep fit.

“The fact that they’re not there now means I won’t be able to run any of these after school clubs.

“For most of our children, the extra-curricular activities we run are the only thing they have outside of school. We can’t let this stop us.”

A spokesman from the Met Police said a full report has been taken and they are investigating the incident.

Patrick is now appealing for donations to replace those stolen. They should be suitable for children in any years from Three to Six. If you would like to donate, contact Brampton Primary School and ask for Patrick, or email patrick.stewart@brampton.newham.sch.uk.