Masked thief uses angle grinder to steal e-bike outside Scots Lidl

A balaclava-clad thief attempted to steal an e-bike with an angle grinder outside a Lidl in Kirkcaldy, Fife, on October 18, 2026, sparking a police probe.

Brit Brief 19/10/2026 17:35

Masked thief uses angle grinder to steal e-bike outside Scots Lidl — Masked thief uses angle grinder in e-bike theft outside Lidl

A masked thief attempted to steal an e-bike using an angle grinder outside a Lidl store in Kirkcaldy, Fife, on the evening of October 18, 2026. The incident, captured on video by shocked shoppers, has prompted a police investigation.

Incident details

Police were called to the Esplanade area of Kirkcaldy around 9.25pm on Sunday, October 18, following a report of an attempted theft. Footage shows a crook dressed in black, crouched behind a parking rack, using a power tool to try to cut the bike free, with sparks flying from the grinder.

A member of staff can be seen being alerted by a customer before rushing toward the front doors. It is believed the thief left empty handed.

Police response

Police Scotland has launched an inquiry into the incident. A spokesperson for the force said: “Around 9.25pm on Sunday, 18 October, 2026 police received a report of an attempted theft of an E-Bike from the Esplanade area of Kirkcaldy.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”