People wanting to sell quad bikes along with motorcycles and other vehicles are targeted by a gang believed to have a Bradford base, according to police. Detectives are warning sellers to be wary, as a gang is luring people to remote spots with the promise of purchasing second hand vehicles and then stealing them.
The gang, as far as police know, have struck five times and there are fears that there could have been many more victims. The latest theft occurred on 6th June when a man had his quad bike and van stolen after being lured to a remote region. He had put his quad bike up for sale and a man enquired about it, expressing an interest in purchasing it. The seller was provided with directions for a meeting and the buyer flagged him down.
Suspicions arose when the buyer kept asking for the quad bike to be taken from the van, insisting that his father would be there soon with the money. The seller tried to make his way back into the van to drive off but was attacked. The robber, along with two other men, then took the van keys and stole both van and quad bike.
The incident was connected to four or five similar cases that were by Detective Inspector Tony Nicholson. The incidents occurred across West Yorkshire, but mainly in the Bradford region. Det. Insp Tony Nicholson also said that it seems the suspects are contacting people who are selling quad bikes and other vehicles on websites like eBay and Gumtree, and is warning anyone selling a new or used ATV about delivering goods.