In a dramatic escalation of his one-man war on urban crime, the cyclist known as 'Cycling Mikey' has directly confronted a gang of thieves brazenly snatching mobile phones from pedestrians in the heart of London.
The viral traffic enforcer, famed for reporting drivers using phones behind the wheel, captured shocking footage of the audacious thefts carried out by criminals on powerful e-bikes. The video shows the tense moment he tracks down and challenges the suspects, exposing a terrifying new trend plaguing the capital's streets.
The Shocking Confrontation Caught on Camera
Michael Van Emst, the 59-year-old behind the Cycling Mikey persona, was near Euston station when he witnessed the lightning-fast crime unfold. Two thieves on a black e-bike swooped in, grabbed a victim's phone, and attempted a swift getaway.
Unlike most bystanders, Mikey gave chase. His helmet camera recorded the entire pursuit as he followed the e-bike through heavy traffic, eventually catching up and confronting the pillion passenger. "You just stole a phone. I've got it all on camera," he declares in the footage, holding his ground against the alleged thief.
'It's an Epidemic' - The New Face of Street Crime
This incident is not isolated. Mikey claims to have witnessed this specific modus operandi multiple times, describing it as a calculated and efficient method for snatching high-value devices. The powerful e-bikes provide the perfect getaway vehicle, allowing thieves to weave through gridlocked traffic and disappear before victims can even react.
"It's an epidemic," he stated. "They are so brazen, operating in broad daylight without any fear of being caught. The public needs to be aware of this danger." His footage provides a rare and unsettling look into the mechanics of this rapidly growing street crime.
A Call to Action for the Met Police
While Mikey's vigilantism has sparked debate, it has also highlighted a perceived lack of police presence and response to such crimes. He has handed the detailed footage, complete with clear shots of the suspects and their e-bike, over to the Metropolitan Police.
His actions serve as a stark challenge to authorities, demanding a more robust strategy to combat this organised form of theft. The question remains: will this viral evidence be enough to spur a significant crackdown on the e-bike gangs turning London's streets into a hunting ground?
