A Mother is distraught after learning that the boy who snatched her nine-year-old son’s bike from him has been let off.

Angie Cheesley, of Corsham Road, Penhill, says she was horrified to learn that the child who stole her son Sam Robinson’s bike was not going to be prosecuted.

Sam’s BMX and mobile phone were stolen by another child.

The bike was then sold to a third youngster who told police he had bought it from the junior thief.

But despite Sam’s bike being recovered from the youngster’s home, prosecutors have decided not to take the case any further.

Distressed Angie said she was finding it hard to explain to her son why his case was being ignored.

“I have always prided myself in trying to bring my children up to know right from wrong,” she said.

“Sam was a very trusting child and now he doesn’t want to trust anyone.

“This doesn’t show him justice can be done.

“How am I supposed to teach him what is right and wrong if someone has done something wrong to him and nothing is being done about it?”

It has taken more than three months for prosecutors to decide not to take Sam’s case any further.

In that time his stolen bike was sold on to a third child.

Police are thought to have interviewed each of the boys and witnesses. Just days after Sam’s bike was stolen in July it was spotted outside the home of another youngster.

When two PCSOs called at the address a boy living there told them he had bought it for £6 from the boy who allegedly stole it.

The bike has now been returned to Sam. Angie said the thief had tricked Sam before stealing the bike.

She said: “He asked to borrow his phone, then ran off with his phone and bike.

“He was screaming and screaming ‘I’ve been robbed.’ The police took a video statement from him.

“Then I spoke to Sgt Tim Rich.

“He said they had all these statements, but the CPS had decided not to prosecute.

“He was a very good bloke and I felt quite sorry for him that he had to phone me up and tell me.”

Angie was so distressed about the whole incident she has appealed to north Swindon MP Michael Wills for help.

Mr Wills said: “I am concerned about this and have written to the authorities.

“As soon as I get a reply I will be following it up.”

A spokeswoman for Wiltshire CPS said they could find no trace of the incident.

Thefts are soaring

THEFTS of bicycles in Swindon have soared almost 30 per cent in the last five years.

Data gained through the Freedom of Information Act revealed that 475 bikes were stolen in 2004/5 but 607 were stolen in 2007/8.

Despite the rise in the number of thefts, the number of solved cases has remained low, with officers finding just under one per cent each year.

Tracey Broderick, whose three sons had their bikes stolen from outside her Old Town home in September, said the police failed to turn up at her house until the Advertiser intervened.

She said: “These figures do not surprise me, the amount of crime in Swindon has risen so much.

“I can understand that there are no police facilities to go out and search for bikes, they are under resourced and under staffed.”

Marc Taylor, the secretary of the Swindon Bicycle Users’ Group, said: “I am surprised there are not more thefts in Swindon.

“People need to spend more investing in quality locks. Bicycle parking facilities also need to be improved.”

Police spokesman Martin Dunscombe said: “Police recognise the problems bike thefts cause and when thefts are reported they will be thoroughly investigated.

“Bicycle owners can help by keeping a description of the bicycle colour, make and frame number and if possible a photograph.

“Cyclists should also ensure that they invest in a good bicycle lock.”