Cyclists are being driven away from London’s Regent’s Park following a rise in violent bike thefts carried out by masked assailants.

Bike group leaders told The Standard that their numbers have significantly decreased in recent weeks as members are scared of being targeted, particularly women cycling on their own.

A woman who was the victim of a violent mugging in January said she will no longer travel to the park by herself, while others have altered their routes to avoid being singled out and have started pairing up to increase their safety in numbers.

It comes as figures reveal there were a staggering 1,061 thefts and robberies overall in the Regent’s Park ward recorded between January 2024 and January 2025.

Twenty-four cases resulted in positive outcomes, such as a suspect being charged, a caution being issued, or a suspect being identified.

Meanwhile, thefts and robberies have soared 35.6 percent in two years, according to Met Police’s monthly crime database.

Typically dressed in all black, muggers are often seen wearing balaclavas and, at times, carrying knives or hammers to intimidate cyclists into surrendering their bikes.

The park is closed to traffic between 5.45am and 7am each day, making it a popular place for cyclists to train and avoid traffic.

But in doing so it has made them vulnerable to criminals who lie in wait.

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41 Comments

  1. When did machetes become a thing? I wonder who uses those things? The only weapons I know are: Guns, Crowbar, knives, baseball bat. Machetes I didnt know what those were until I went to Africa!

  2. I think its important to raise awareness that men are more at risk of attacks and have been attacked quite often but never makes the headlines. As a man I tend to avoid going out at night reducing the risk of being stabbed or violently assaulted. Unless you are female, the care towards men being assaulted isn't taken serious enough unfortunately. London is dangerous for both male and female civilians.

  3. I made an error and went through London at 1 o'clock in the morning. I did not feel safe in my car. I just hoped the traffic lights were green, but when stopped on red, I was ready to floor it as unsavory characters, abounded. I would not like to live in London, it does not feel safe.

  4. Its not first time, iv’eworked at regents university 5 years arriving by bike at 6.30 am and few times was the same blck. Guys stealling bikes on motorcycle.

  5. I can't help but feel like someone—or even a company—is behind these bike thefts. They're easy to steal and a huge nuisance, which might push people into getting bike insurance. I know it sounds ridiculous, but cyclists don’t have to pay—no tax, no insurance. And if a cyclist crashes into a car, the driver can’t even claim on their insurance. this is just my opinion.

  6. Police informed one of our club members the will not patrol until the park is open to cars so recommended they stay out of the park as they would not be able to help.

  7. why dont the local bike riders (99% white british)…take matters into their own hands….forget the police…they are now…not fit for purpose…the criminals stealing the bikes (almost certainly foreigners)….think the british are too gut less to fight back….

  8. It’s happening all over Leeds. Not just around a park. Kids, adults both genders. It’s happening all over the country in our streets and the police don’t wanna help. Yet we’re not allowed to protect ourselves with anything useful to prevent them being stolen. This country is a joke either way.. it’s a two tier system and they could care less.

  9. Cultural Enrichment reaches Camden:
    Still no change to their view of these sc0m though.
    But WHO let them into the Country to attack us ?
    And turn us into a Low Trust Society.

  10. Bet it's the usual culprits but the security doesn't have time to catch them because they're too busy doing other useless calls.

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