Edinburgh student says she 'never experienced anything like it' after grim find

An Edinburgh student, originally from London, has realised how bad bike theft is in the city.

Michaela Mannion, 24, gradually saw parts of her bike get stolen - piece by piece - over a couple of months.

The university student said in all her time living in London, she never experienced 'anything like this' - until she moved to Edinburgh earlier this year. Over a short time, parts of her bike were disappearing, including the whole front wheel.

READ NEXT-Edinburgh city centre 'collision' sees one hospitalised with police on the scene

READ NEXT-West Lothian mum's horror as screaming daughter impales foot on two-inch nail

Speaking to Edinburgh Live, she said: "A couple of months ago, I was getting my bike services at the uni. When I took it up there I was told that the gear chain had been taken off. I was wondering why it was difficult to cycle and why I couldn't change my gears.

"I keep it locked to the railings in the close in my building. It's out of the way for the rest of my flatmates. A month ago I was rushing about and when I came home I noticed the front wheel was gone.

"I have a D-lock on the back tyre and attached to the frame, but the front wheel is a quick release. But why would someone just take a front wheel? You just don't think this would happen in your own home."

Michaela put a poster in the close asking residents for information, but there was no response.

"I think there was just someone who managed to get into the building and was an opportunist. Two weeks later, my lights were taken off the front and by that point, I wish they had just taken the whole thing."

She added: "I brought my bike up from London, think I wouldn't have any problems. I never experienced anything like this before and I've lived in all different parts of London. Then not long after I move here, this happens. I think it's really important to underscore how much of a problem bike theft is in Edinburgh."

Luckily, a kind local offered to fix her bike free of charge and serviced it.

Michaela said: "A guy called Alan offered to help. He had a spare tyre and fixed the gear chain. It really restored my faith in humanity. But I need to get another lock for the front tyre now. I keep the bike in my room, rather than in the close. It doesn't feel safe to have it out there anymore."