An Indian motorcyclist undertaking a round-the-world challenge has been left stranded after his motorcycle and belongings were stolen in the UK.
Yogesh Alekari, 33, had travelled more than 15,000 miles across 17 countries in Asia and Europe since starting his journey from Mumbai on 1 May.
He was in Nottingham for a biker event when his KTM 390 Adventure motorbike, along with his camping gear and other possessions, was taken from Wollaton Park around 11:00 BST on Thursday.
“I locked the bike in a busy area where children were playing. I went for breakfast, and within an hour, everything was gone,” Mr Alekari said.
Video footage captured by a park visitor shows the motorbike being ridden away, flanked by two moped scooters, highlighting the brazen nature of the theft.
The stolen items, valued at more than £15,000, included Mr Alekari’s MacBook, spare mobile phone, two cameras, cash, passport, and clothing stored in the bike’s storage boxes.
“I was totally shocked. This wasn’t just a motorbike – it was my home, my dream, my everything as a traveller,” he said, describing the theft as “painful” and leaving him with a “broken heart.”
He had spent £20,000 preparing for the journey, buying the bike in April, and had plans to continue through Africa, including Morocco and Cape Town, before returning to India.
Nottinghamshire Police confirmed that local inquiries were ongoing but the motorbike had not yet been located. Sgt Daniel Sheasby urged anyone with information to come forward.
“We completely appreciate how much upset this will have caused the bike owner and want to assure them we are taking this seriously,” Sgt Sheasby said.
Mr Alekari expressed disappointment over the police response, stating he received only a crime number and no immediate assistance at the park, which is managed by Nottingham City Council.
Despite warnings from others about safety in the UK, he said he had felt secure traveling through other countries, including Iran and Turkey, and had never experienced theft on this scale.
The city council has been contacted for comment, while Mr Alekari hopes to recover his belongings and continue his dream of riding around the world.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
