An amateur boxer has urged people who use social media and online marketplaces to be careful after a gang stole his electric bike.
Jamie Keaney was conned with counterfeit cash by a gang that fled with his vehicle.
The thieves then sparked a police chase as they attempted to escape the scene with the bike.
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Jamie was contacted via text message after advertising his Sur-Ron bike for £4,000 on sites including Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree.
When the prospective buyer said he wanted to see the bike first, the 22-year-old agreed but said he would only allow a test drive if he could hold the money while it was carried out.
The theft played out on Saturday, January 29, when, just after 9pm, a BMW with several men inside arrived at an agreed location in West Kirby.
Jamie said: “Two lads walked over, one with their hood up. One gave me an envelope filled with what looked - and felt - like cash. When I gave him the keys he got on the bike before speeding off, with his mate getting into the car.”
The gang fled through the town and, after Jamie reported the incident, they were chased by police but escaped.
The notes inside the envelope handed to Jamie turned out to be fake and the BMW is understood to have been on false plates.
Shocked and frustrated, Jamie said he considered trying to challenge the men when he became suspicious but said: “I was aware something like this could happen but I didn’t think it would actually happen. I know I could fend for myself but the fact I know these type of people do carry weapons and probably are armed is not worth it.
“I was in shock after the incident and very angry - I had lost the bike and the money. I think it annoyed me just as much that these people think they can go around stealing other people’s stuff.”
Because he was contacted by text message, Jamie cannot trace the thieves back to an online profile.
He is now urging anyone who sells goods through online marketplaces to take care.
He warned: “My advice would be that if you are going to sell anything make sure you know their name, get their Facebook profile, that you meet them somewhere you know is a safe environment and in the day time.”
Merseyside Police confirmed it is investigating the incident and said officers had carried out CCTV and witness enquiries in the area and are continuing their investigation.
*Anyone with dashcam, CCTV footage or information that could help enquiries is urged to call Merseyside Police on 101 or contact the force via Twitter (@MerPolCC). You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or online here.
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