Natalaigh in capital robbery terror

Natalaigh Taylor, 28, who works in marketing in the city, was cycling through an affluent area when she was targeted.
Recalling the incident earlier this month, Natalaigh said: “I was cycling home from work, and a motorcycle pulled up beside me, going at the same pace.
“He pulled the brake wires on my bike to halt me and then ran his motorcycle into the side of me.”
She added: “I was wedged between him and a parked car, at which point I realised what was happening.
“My handbag was in the front basket of my bike. We both grabbed the bag at the same and played tug-of-war with it for a while. He won.
“Unfortunately he managed to get everything — phone, keys, ID, cash, cards, etc.”
The motorcyclist was dressed completely in black, and with no number plate on the vehicle.
Natalaigh says there were a number of people present, but that the motorcyclist took off too quickly for anyone to help. However, she said: “The undercover police cars were patrolling the area, so they arrived in seconds.
“Their radio reported three more incidents on nearby streets while I was standing talking to the officers.”
Natalaigh says that the problem is widespread in London, with the incident coming after national media coverage.
She said: “I don’t think these guys are kids. They are definitely professional.
“But I have heard so many stories about teens doing the same with weapons, so I guess I was lucky.”
She added: “It happens so often. On my commute to work on a Monday I see about 20 burnt out mopeds from the weekend.
“The police won’t chase them, and there’s no way to identify them. I don’t think there’s much that can stop them.”