A soldier whose bike was stolen found it for sale on eBay – and discovered that the person selling it was a non-commissioned officer from his own barracks.
According to the Sunday People, the owner of the bike, worth £1,000, arranged to meet the would-be vendor in the hope of recovering his bike.
When he discovered the seller was a corporal from the Sir John Moore Barracks in Winchester, he reported him to the Royal Military Police, who made an arrest.
A source from the barracks told the newspaper: “The allegations are embarrassing for the base, but are being taken very seriously. The guy who had his bike pinched was absolutely furious, and set about a plan to get it back.
“Now the whole thing is being investigated. It’s the talk of the barracks. All internal theft is frowned upon in the forces. Military personnel should be able to trust each other implicitly.
“A corporal is helping officers with their inquiries. He could face severe consequences, including court martial or military prison.”
A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence added: “We can confirm that a soldier from ATR(W) [Army Training Regiment, Winchester] is under investigation for an alleged theft.
“The matter is being investigated by the Royal Military Police and it would be inappropriate to comment further while this is ongoing,” he added.
If you are a regular e-bay shopper then have a look at their guide on how to spot stolen bikes we also have our guide to finding a bargain from a genuine bike shop on there.
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14 comments
Having served 22 years, I can say whilst the theft will be taken very seriously by the system, the lads will see the far greater crime of 'shitting on your own doorstep' as far worse and will dish out a suitable punishment.
"All internal theft is frowned upon in the forces. "
Don't they mind external theft then?
Not half as much, no. Especially if it's stuff from another regiment. Stealing their trophy cabinet or their CO's staff-car keys would be considered hilarious, a real feather in your cap.
We kept a three-legged dog in barracks as an unofficial mascot and the neighbouring Royal Signals regiment kidnapped him for ransom. We had to offer a large quantity of Carlsberg to get him back and the ungrateful hound got himself run over by a truck a few weeks later.
I guess you had to be there.
They did care a lot when some lads signed some stens out and robbed a local garage, in Germany.........
"All internal theft is frowned upon in the forces"! I think internal theft is frowned upon in most organisations. Does someone think the forces are special in that regard?
Nah, of course not, after all, I frequently rely on Barry from accounts to offer his life to save mine on the way to the staff canteen.
Get a grip.
That depends
If you were caught pinching a colleagues bike I seriously doubt your HR department would break your fingers by slamming a locker door shut on them.
You also go home every night, you don't have to live with the people you work with.
You're right, I don't think my HR department would do that. I think internal GBH is looked down on in my organisation.
I suspect the culprit will be far less worried about the 'official' punishment than the one his peers deem appropriate.
His human rights means they cannot torture him, much.
A criminal mastermind.
Deploy him to Iraq for 12 month tour.... on the bike.
Barbaric suggestion. If it was my bike, I wouldn't want some hoodlum rubbing metaphorical salt in the wound by riding it for a full 12 months. Make him ride his own bloody bike!
Oops. At least his punishment won't just be a bullshit slap on the wrists.