Moped Bandit Caught After Dangerous Getaway on Pavement and Wrong Side of Road
A reckless thief who caused chaos riding a moped on the wrong side of the road and even along a pavement has finally been locked up for two years. Robbie Murray, 19, faced Canterbury Crown Court on Friday, 13 December 2019, after a string of vehicle thefts and driving offences between April and September 2019.
From Shoplifting to Mopeds: A Trail of Crime
Murray’s crime spree kicked off on 16 April 2019, when CCTV caught him swiping a bottle of cider and a pair of earphones from a Canterbury store. A savvy police officer later spotted him on the footage.
But the offences soon escalated. On 29 May, Murray stole meat from a shop in Whitstable. Undeterred, he returned on 18 June wearing a crash helmet and tried his luck again. Confronted by staff, he attempted a quick getaway on his moped — only to smash into an oncoming car. His scooter’s number plate fell off, sealing his fate and leading to an arrest.
Threats, Theft and DNA Leads
On 30 July, Murray took threats up a notch, telling a woman in Whitstable he would “stab her son up.” The victim snapped a photo on her phone, helping police track him down.
He struck again on 4 September in Herne Bay, stealing a scooter from outside a house. The damaged scooter was later found in Whitstable. Police matched Murray’s DNA found on a discarded bottle at the scene and his fingerprints on the bike.
Daring Police Chase Ends It All
Murray’s final act of madness came on 17 September when he snatched a motorbike from King Edward Street, Whitstable. Ignoring safety laws, he rode without a helmet or lights, swerved through a road closure, and took to the pavement in a busy residential area. Officers finally stopped the dangerous rider.
Besides theft and dangerous driving, Murray was also convicted of fraudulently claiming taxi fares to probation sessions he actually reached on his moped. He further racked up bail offences by repeatedly skipping court appearances.
Police Praise Pursuit and Sentencing
PC Sarah Copeland, lead investigator, said: “Shopkeepers, vehicle owners, and local residents have all been victims of Murray’s relentless offending. Good police work has built a strong case that’s put him behind bars for a significant time. We’re committed to stamping out moped crime and safeguarding our communities.”
Murray, of Cockering Road, Canterbury, will serve his two-year term in a young offenders’ institution, sending a clear message that dangerous moped crime will not be tolerated.
