Teen Thief Snatches NHS Pharmacist’s Bike and Rides It Round Hospital Car Park
17-Year-Old Nabs Bike from Hospital Staffer
A 17-year-old lad has been caught stealing a bicycle from a hospital pharmacist at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) and joyriding it around the hospital car park. The teen, unnamed due to his age, admitted the theft that took place on Monday, April 6.
CCTV footage revealed the boy and two mates entering the Richardson Road car park at about 4.40pm, while a third acted as lookout. Together, they swiped the pharmacist’s pedal bike before taking it for a spin around the car park and then making off.
Pharmacist Used Bike to Avoid Public Transport During Pandemic
The stolen bike wasn’t just any ordinary ride – the hospital worker used it to dodge public transport to lower his chances of catching coronavirus. It was key for protecting his vulnerable mum, who is battling cancer. The theft has hit the family hard.
Police Swiftly ID Suspect and Crack Down on Hospital Theft
Police investigation led to the quick ID of the 17-year-old, already known to officers. He was arrested and charged, then admitted the theft at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court. The bike remains missing. The teen denies keeping it and has been granted bail ahead of sentencing.
Neighbourhood Inspector Karen Madge said: “This teenager is well known to us and lots of work has been done to steer him away from crime. What may seem like petty theft can have devastating consequences for victims. In this case, the bike was a lifeline to keep the family safe.”
She added: “We’ve ramped up patrols around the RVI to reassure hospital staff and safeguard their belongings. Theft on hospital grounds is unacceptable, and the community stands with NHS staff against crime.”
Teen Released on Bail with Strict Conditions
The Newcastle youth is banned from NHS sites unless it’s a medical emergency. He will return to North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on May 11 for sentencing.
