Daylight Attempted Theft in Wickham: Young Thieves Target Motorcycles, Resident Intervenes

30 October 2024

A quiet street in Wickham became the scene of an attemped daylight crime yesterday, Tuesday 29th October 2024, as three youths attempted to steal items from motorbikes parked along Station Street. The brazen attempt, witnessed by a local resident, involved the trio allegedly using a pair of scissors to try to access compartments on the bikes and potentially start one of the vehicles. The witness, observing from a nearby balcony, shouted at the group, prompting them to flee the scene.

In the captured image of the suspects, the three young individuals appear to be casually walking along the street, potentially scoping out further targets. The sight of the scissors has raised alarm, as it reflects a growing pattern in nearby suburbs where such tools are used not only to pry open compartments but also in attempts to start vehicles.

One commenter remarked, “I found scissors jammed in my car’s ignition in Hamilton one morning, it’s as if they think it’ll start the car.” Another added, “They don’t seem to care about the damage they leave behind, and it’s not just the cost of repairs; it’s the sense of invasion.”.

One resident stated, “By the time police arrive, the damage is often done, and the culprits are long gone.” Another added that prevention seems to be the only viable solution, given the challenges of recovery once an incident like this has occurred.

“I didn’t want to just sit back and let them damage someone’s property. Yelling at them may have scared them off, but it also means they could be out there targeting someone else now,” they said. Some locals suggested a different approach, with a few proposing that incidents be filmed and shared with police for identification purposes rather than confronting offenders directly.

If you witness a crime, please report it by calling crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or report it online at nsw.crimestoppers.com.au