Mile End theft sees dead dad's motorbike stolen by thieves

The thieves were caught on camera taking the bike which was parked behind Natalie Maidwell's shed in Mile End. 

Natalie, 38, from Colchester said the theft happened in the late hours of July 9 and early hours of July 10.

Her dad, Paul Maidwell, was 64 when he died in December after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

Paul became ill and he went into hospital in late November. The family were told it was terminal and he died in St Helena Hospice three weeks later.

Motorbike - A clear image of what the stolen bike looks like (Image: Natalie Maidwell)

Natalie spoke of her dad saying: "Within three weeks he had died, as he had terminal lung cancer which spread

“I was with him when he died and we were best friends.

“Things are still very raw and we are still grieving his loss.”

Distraught - Paul's daughter Natalie wants her dad's bike returned as soon as possible (Image: Natalie Maidwell)

The bike holds special value to Natalie and she hopes to retrieve the bike as soon as possible.

She said: "I am desperate for the bike back. My dad was well known in Colchester, I was born here.

"The bike was hidden behind my shed, so sounds like a tip off, if I’m honest as nobody knew it was there."

Thieves - The two men were caught stealing the bike on camera (Image: Natalie Maidwell)

The bike, a black Benelli, was stolen by two men who came onto the property, using bolt cutters to remove the lock.

The two men were spotted on CCTV, after stealing the bike from Fleming Way, in Kingswood Heath, Mile End.

There is also video footage of the two men from other houses along the road.

Natalie has reported the theft to Essex Police. 

Anyone who has any information should report it to Essex Police and use reference number 42/105438/24.