Paris Police Arrest Seven Over Sabotage of City’s Celebrated Velib Cycle Hire Scheme
19th July 2012
The group of seven suspects somehow found a way around the sophisticated electronic system which supposedly keeps the bicycles secure. It meant they were able to help themselves to any of the 18,000 bikes kept at cycle hire stations across the French capital.
Many of the stolen bikes were later found abandoned, dumped in gardens or parks, and often sabotaged. Dozens of Vélib cycle hire stations were put out of use as the bikes disappeared. Last night seven alleged members of the gang were in custody, with their crime spree apparently at an end.
My, what a surprise! Aren’t you surprised? I’m sure surprised.
July 19th, 2012 at 14:36
I am surprised. I would have expected the stolen bikes to have all been sold, not dumped and sabotaged. Have they no respect for tradition?