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Officer gives new bike to boy after robbery

A police officer who was called to the scene of a bike robbery has gifted a new bike to the young victim after being touched by his story.

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Stephen and PC Millington-Moss with the gifted bike

West Bromwich response officer PC Lewis Millington-Moss was called to Redhouse Park, Great Barr, where he met Dylan and his father Stephen.

Dylan, 15, had his front tooth chipped and required extensive dental treatment after he was punched and had his bike stolen in the park, on May 11.

PC Millington-Moss discovered that the boy had been the victim of a bike theft in 2017 too and seeing the impact this had on him and the fact he needed to replace the bike he needed for a regular paper round, he set about finding a way to replace his bike for free.

The officer spoke with the Sandwell Partnerships team and found there were a few bikes kept at West Bromwich police station that had been recovered, seized or donated.

He asked Dylan and Stephen to come along to the station this month and surprised them both with a mountain bike.

They were both overjoyed with the gift and Dylan’s dad Stephen even stopped to pose for pictures with the officer to celebrate.

PC Millington-Moss said: “Having heard Dylan’s story and the fact he had previously been a victim of a similar crime, I felt frustrated and upset for him.

“From what I have seen, Dylan is a caring and hard-working boy who has had his confidence knocked by this.

“I was determined to help in some way and show them that despite the negative situation they were put in, something positive can come out of it. We care and we will help.”

Stephen added: “I really appreciate what West Midlands Police has done for Dylan, PC Millington-Moss has been a great help to us.

“As a result of this kind gesture, my son is still able to do his paper round using his bike.

“This is a small step in getting my Dylan back on track and if anyone can help with the investigation into the robbery, please call police.”

Investigations into the robbery remain on-going. Anyone with information is asked to contact Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight or call 101 anytime giving crime reference 20SW/112598J/19.

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