A shocking daylight robbery captured on dash cam has exposed what industry insiders describe as a growing scooter theft epidemic across Western Sydney.
Brazen Daylight Attack
Gurjeed Singh, a 26-year-old student, was stopped at a red light on Copeland Street in Penrith on Monday November 24 when four people on three scooters weaved through traffic toward him. In a brazen move captured on video, one man jumped off the back of a scooter and pushed Singh from his rented delivery vehicle.
The group then sped off with both the scooter and Singh's mobile phone, leaving the delivery rider shaken but physically unharmed. Police confirmed Singh sustained no injuries during the confrontation.
Business Owner Bears Financial Burden
The stolen scooter belonged to Nirav Parmar's rental business, and while police returned the vehicle hours later, it was no longer usable with repair costs exceeding $2000.
Despite Singh having paid a deposit, Parmar made the compassionate decision not to charge the student, recognizing his limited financial means. "That's why he's doing Uber Eats deliveries," Parmar explained to 7NEWS.com.au.
In a remarkable show of support, Parmar even lent Singh another scooter without extra charge so he could continue working, meaning the financial loss falls entirely on the business owner.
Pattern of Persistent Thefts
This incident represents just one in a series of thefts targeting Parmar's business. Since starting his scooter rental operation two years ago, approximately eight of his vehicles have been stolen, including one just two weeks prior to this latest incident.
Only about half of the stolen scooters were recovered, and most were found severely damaged. Parmar described the typical condition: "It's total damage — steering locks, front wheel, floor, lights, everything."
In one particularly disturbing case, a scooter tracked via GPS was discovered completely burnt and abandoned.
Police have since charged a 16-year-old boy in connection with the November 24 robbery. The teenager faces multiple charges including driving a conveyance taken without consent, unlicensed driving, and possession of a knife in a public place.
NSW Police launched Operation Enduro on November 12 specifically to address the wave of moped, scooter, and motorcycle thefts across the region. As of Wednesday, 14 people aged between 13 and 22 have been charged, and 11 allegedly stolen mopeds have been recovered.
Parmar has called for stronger action, urging police to catch suspects, ensure appropriate punishment, and secure compensation for victims of these increasingly common crimes.
