BIKER NEWS -- Staff at a petrol station today told how a biker gang swarmed “like locusts” stealing fuel, snacks and sweets as terri...
BIKER NEWS -- Staff at a petrol station today told how a biker gang swarmed “like locusts” stealing fuel, snacks and sweets as terrified workers cowered behind counters.
Police are hunting the thieves who ransacked the Streatham Service Centre after more than 100 masked bikers on high-powered motorcycles, mopeds and quad bikes pulled onto its forecourt.
Workers said members of the group stole £200 of drinks and snacks from inside while others took it in turns to fill up on more than £400 of petrol without paying.
Petrified staff had decided not to shut off the fuel pumps for fear it could “start a riot”.
The group were riding as part of a 200-strong group taking part in an eight-mile “Halloween Rideout” from Lambeth to Bromley on Saturday night.
In scenes likened to Mad Max, the gang, some wearing Halloween masks, spent hours riding through south London running red lights, mounting pavements and setting off fireworks.
Police said a splinter-group arrived at the petrol station by Streatham Common at about 8.30pm.
Fabiola Otlacan, 34, who manages the Subway takeaway concession inside, said: “All of a sudden there were all these bikes. I had never seen anything like it in my life. It was like something out of a film. They were like a swarm of locusts that took over the place.
“People in their cars didn’t know what was happening. They all left as quickly as they could.
“Some of the bikers filled up and paid so we thought it was going to be okay but then suddenly they were just passing the pumps around filling up and not paying.
“They were so intimidating. My colleague was scared to shut off the petrol in case they started a riot.
“Then one group came inside. They were shouting and swearing and went to the fridges and snacks.
“They were drinking cans of Coke and other bottles and were throwing them on the ground. They stole crisps and chocolate and throwing things on the floor. The whole place was trashed.
“There were three of us working and we just hid behind the counter. It was really scary. When they left we locked the door and then we turned off the lights and the fuel and called the police.
“They started banging on the windows. We thought they were going to smash them and come inside again but eventually they all drove off.”
She said the gang had stayed another 30 minutes in the forecourt doing tricks before speeding off.
When police arrived only a small of group of riders was left.
A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of making off without payment and driving not in accordance with a licence and bailed to a date in mid-November.
Police are appealing for information on illegal behaviour by the riders.
Superintendent Liam Harrington said: “This group behaved in an utterly reckless manner, committing criminal damage and endangering themselves, other road users and pedestrians.
“Although there have been no reported injuries, my officers are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the offences committed and work to bring those involved to justice.”
The event was arranged on social media by UK Raise It Up, a Facebook group that organises mass rides in protest at the lack of legal space for stunt riders.
Shortly before the riders were first seen amassing a video was uploaded of a man wearing a balaclava, who said: “When we get to the linkup spot, I want to make sure that everyone turns their lights off, everyone turns their bikes off. Make sure you have petrol before you leave, because I don’t want to stop.”
This article was first published on Tuesday 3 November 2015
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