Serious incidents have been reported on the Taff Trail and nearby in Llandaff North, Hailey Park and Gabalfa
A number of attacks were reported in Hailey Park at the weekend(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
People using the Taff Trail in Cardiff and nearby roads have reported being attacked or robbed by youths wearing balaclavas on e-bikes.
Police have increased patrols in the areas after reports that young men dressed in balaclavas riding electric scooters are threatening and robbing cyclists or walkers using the busy walking route.
A number of cyclists and people using the popular path have reported being robbed or attacked and a motorist was attacked as he got out of his car near the trail and had his keys stolen.
The first incidents were reported in the Hailey Park area of the trail over the weekend. One woman said: “I was attacked at Hailey Park today (Sunday) at 3.40pm by three boys aged around 12.
“I was cycling and one kicked me causing me to crash and sustain minor injuries and minor damage to my bike. Thank goodness I was wearing a helmet.
“Please be careful if cycling there – I heard I was the third cyclist they had targeted. I have reported the incident to the police.
“The one that actually kicked me is distinctive looking so I am hopeful CCTV of the area can help identify him. My leg was caught up in the bike and I was helped by some lovely young men who were also in the area who I am very grateful to.”
On Monday, a motorist was targeted by three balaclava-wearing suspects on e-bikes on The Parade, near to Llandaff train station. It was reported that the e-bikers attacked the man as he got out of his car and took his keys.
On Wednesday, Cardiff Councillor Helen Lloyd Jones sent out an ‘avoid the area warning’ to her followers on Facebook after a police officer told her of two robberies that day – one at 4pm and one at 8pm.
There have also been reports of two robberies on the Taff Trail near Tesco Extra in Gabalfa.
A man who witnessed one of the robberies said: “These incidents seem to be escalating in seriousness and frequency and the police appear to be struggling to prevent them.
“Someone will be seriously injured by one of these assaults or by the dangerous speeds these individuals travel at. It now feels like the Taff Trail, in particular, is not a great place to be with these riders racing around so frequently.”
Read more: ‘They’re dangerous. They taunt police’ Cardiff community plagued by youths on e-bikes
It comes just weeks after police introduced a dispersal order in the nearby Gabalfa area of the city following increasing reports of anti-social behaviour. The Section 35 order was authorised by South Wales Police.
At the start of the month two teenage boys needed hospital treatment after being stabbed in Lydstep Park, Gabalfa. Two local boys aged 16 and 17 were taken to the University Hospital of Wales with stab wounds. Read more about that here.
Inspector Tim Ursell from South Wales Police said: “We are aware of the on-going concerns in the area about the illegal and anti-social use of e-bikes and motorbikes in the Gabalfa area.
“We understand how distressing and intimidating it can be for the local community and would appeal for anyone with information to contact us is confidence.
“Those responsible are often wearing face coverings and all dark clothing to avoid being identified and communicate with each other via mobile phone when officers are seen patrolling in the area.
“Despite this, we are running successful operations in partnership with the local authority, and more than 700 illegal e-bikes and scooters have been seized across Cardiff since last summer.
“As a direct result of recent incidents in Gabalfa, and the on-going concerns, we have increased the police presence in the area, including plain clothed patrols, and this will continue over the coming days.
“Unfortunately, this week there have also been reports of robberies in the Excelsior Road area of Gabalfa and these are being fully investigated by our Criminal Investigation Departments.”
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