Five Suspected Members of Local Bike Theft Gang Charged
Eric Andrews still being sought by police in connection
Eric Andrews. Picture: Met Police
April 12, 2024
Police have issued an appeal to find a man suspected of being a member of a gang of prolific bike thieves after charging five others.
There had been a surge in thefts of high value bikes across south west London between March and December last year. Victims often found their stolen property, sometimes worth up to £10,000, being advertised for sale online.
Met specialist crime officers worked closely with the local proactive policing team and on 21 March the Met’s burglary squad and local officers executed six warrants and three suspects were arrested and subsequently charged.
Following further investigative work, two more suspects were identified and charged in connection with the burglaries. Of those charged so far, four are men and one is a woman and all five have appeared in court. The charges relate to 57 cases of residential burglary offences.
In addition, a 22-year-old man turned themselves in at Wandsworth Police Station and was later bailed pending further enquiries.
Met officers are now appealing to the public for further information to track down 22-year-old Eric Andrews of no fixed abode. Andrews was last seen in the Kingston area, and is described as white, with long brown hair tied back and short dark facial hair.
Detective Chief Inspector Dan O’Sullivan, who is leading the investigation, said, “Listening to local residents, tackling violent crime and reducing burglary, are all priorities in our ‘A New Met for London’ plan.
“I would like to thank the victims for reporting these crimes to our local police team who then worked to deliver a precise and targeted operation to track down these suspects.
“We now encourage the public to help us locate the outstanding suspect. If you recognise Eric Andrews or have seen him, then please come forward. Any information, no matter how small can help our investigation.”
Anyone with information which could assist this investigation can help by calling 101 and referencing case number 01/WW/10868/24, or calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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