Halfords build boy a new bike, after theft threatens his proficiency test

Staff at Halfords in St Albans have responded to a police appeal to give a young boy a new bike after his was stolen just days before his proficiency test.

Victor Minchen’s bicycle was taken on January 7, not long before he was due to take his proficiency certificate.

After they investigated, Herts Police contacted the local Halfords store, telling them about the nine-year old’s plight.

The shop’s manager, Martin Penny, offered to build him a new bike completely free.

His father Milen said his son had been ‘gutted’ to miss the test, but he was unable to afford a new bike.

Milen told the Herts Advertiser: “I don’t know what to say – I’m speechless.

“Victor loves cycling. He was due to have his cycling proficiency course in February so we were gutted when his bike was stolen.

“We are so grateful to Halfords for giving him a new bike and the police for making it happen.

“Now Victor can use the gift to take the course next month.”

Police are no closer to solving the mystery of who stole Victor’s bike.

Anyone with information on the bike theft should contact the police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.