Young boys left 'extremely shaken' after being robbed of e-bikes in West Lothian
Enquiries into the incidents are ongoing
Two boys in West Lothian have been robbed of their e-bikes one week apart.
During the first incident, which happened on Greendykes Road in Broxburn around 8pm on Tuesday, May 5, a man emerged from a white Ford Transit van and approached the boy before assaulting him and taking the bike.
The suspect is described as around 6ft tall and of slim build. He was wearing a grey balaclava covering his face, a grey or black long sleeve top and black work style trousers.
The second incident happened at around 6.20pm on Tuesday, on the footpath between Martin Brae and Fulmar Brae in Livingston.
The boy was approached and threatened before the suspect stole his bike.
The suspect is described as a white, aged between 14 and 16-years-old, around 5ft 8ins tall and of slim build.
He was wearing a black beanie hat with the letters YL on the front, a black balaclava, grey tracksuit, black trainers and black gloves. He spoke with a local accent.
Officers said they do not currently believe the incidents are linked.
Detective Inspector Lee Beaumont said: “While neither boy was injured, they were both left extremely shaken and I understand these incidents will be concerning for the community.
“I’d like to reassure the community that our enquiries are ongoing and I am asking anyone who witnessed these incidents, or who has any information, to come forward and speak to officers.”
He added: “I would also like to take this opportunity to remind people that the use of certain types of e-bikes on roads and public paths is not only illegal, but also dangerous with several people having suffered significant injury from falling or being involved in a crash.
“In addition, these types of bikes are being targeted to be used for criminality."
“Officers will continue to stop and seize illegally used e-bikes, and we would urge members of the public to only use those designed and intended for use on the road and not place themselves and others in danger.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland, quoting incident number 2856 for the incident on May 12 and 2811 for the incident on May 5.
Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.