Hemel Hempstead woman offers reward for stolen bike

A woman from Hemel Hempstead is appealing for help in finding her stolen bike - and is offering a reward.

Yvonne Bauwens is offering to buy the person who took her bike their own bike, if they return hers.

The bike - Cube Acid 29er - was stolen from a home on the Grand Union Canal, at lock 56, which is between Bourne End and Berkhamsted, on Thursday, April 8.

Yvonne said: "I would like to offer you another opportunity, and it involves you getting a bike - your own bike."

Police are investigating the incident. A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Police said: "Between 5.55pm and 6.05pm, a male entered a garage at the side of a property in Bank Mill Lane, and stole a bicycle.

"The bicycle is a Cube Acid 29er mountain bike in grey, black and red with a grey logo. The rear wheel is a DT Swiss brand. On the handlebar, there is a blue and black detachable hand torch, bottle holder and a bell. There is also a hand pump on the frame.

"The suspect had entered the garage from the direction of the canal and he made off back in this direction after stealing the bike.

"He is described as white, in his late teens, around 5ft 6in -10in tall, of a stocky build and with brown/black hair. He was wearing a grey hoody, a blue puffer bodywarmer with a white logo on the chest, dark grey joggers and white trainers."

But Yvonne said: "Here's the deal: You give me my bike back. No blame, no anger towards you, no police hiding around the corner, no hidden booby-traps. Just you bringing my bike back to me. If it’s damaged, I’ll repair it.

"In return, I will BUY a bike for you. I’ll take into account your height, size, preference etc. It doesn’t have to be a mountain bike. If you want a road bike, hybrid or BMX – it can be arranged.

"It will definitely be one that fits you properly, as, let’s be honest, mine really is far too big!

"I will also teach you about bike maintenance: how to repair a puncture, change an inner tube, tweak the brakes and gears, how to oil or repair a chain and how to set your bike up so that you know everything there is to know about it.

"Whatever bike you choose, I will also kit you out with the appropriate safety gear including giving you my spare full-face MTB helmet (if you choose a mountain bike), or another kind of helmet for the bike you choose.

"I will make sure you have suitable lights and reflectors, a pump, a bell and even a lock so that you won’t experience the pain of having it stolen. I will also provide tools for future maintenance.

"I would like to encourage you and show you that although you have hurt me, good can come of this too."

Anybody who saw what happened, or anyone with information – including those who believe they have seen the bike or been offered it for sale, should call 101 quoting crime reference 41/25415/21.

You can also report information online, alternatively, you can stay anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.

You can also contact Yvonne on [email protected].