Sydney Delivery Riders Hit by Surge in Scooter and E-Bike Thefts
Delivery riders across Sydney are expressing deep concern and frustration over a significant increase in scooter and e-bike thefts, with multiple incidents reported in recent weeks. At least three delivery riders have shared their experiences with 7NEWS.com.au, detailing separate thefts that have left them financially burdened and emotionally shaken.
Multiple Thefts Reported in Zetland
Michael Du, a 24-year-old UNSW student, recounted how his e-bike was stolen in just two minutes while he delivered an order at an apartment building on Hinchcliffe Place in Zetland around 10:30 PM on a Tuesday. He suspects the thief was following him, targeting delivery riders who leave their bikes briefly unattended. Du, who has worked part-time as a delivery rider for four years, said this was the second time his e-bike had been stolen, with the first incident occurring in November last year. The $1200 loss, including $100 worth of snacks, was a major blow, as his monthly expenses often total less than $1000 apart from rent.
In a similar case, Alan, a 26-year-old delivery rider, had his e-bike stolen on Ebsworth Street in Zetland around 7:30 PM on March 23. He was only 7 to 8 meters away, waiting for a customer, when the bike vanished. Alan described the theft as incredibly brazen and had to immediately rent another bike, costing $85 per week with a $300 deposit, which he found not cost-efficient. Both riders reported the thefts to police, but were told recovery chances are slim, with Du quoting an officer saying it was less than 1 percent.
Recovery Efforts and Ongoing Anxiety
Another delivery rider, Andrew Liu, experienced theft twice in Maroubra. His first e-bike, bought for $1300, was stolen just three days after he arrived in Australia as an international student at UNSW in June 2025. After buying a second bike for $1700, it was also stolen from a friend's carpark, despite being locked. Fortunately, Liu had attached an AirTag, allowing him to track the bike to Maroubra Police Station after it was found damaged near Walter Williamson Park. He spent $250 on repairs but now suffers from anxiety about his belongings, noting the financial strain as a student working hard to cover expensive rent and food costs.
Police Response and Safety Warnings
NSW Police confirmed they are investigating the two reported e-bike thefts in Zetland, emphasizing that both incidents occurred while riders were delivering orders in unit complexes. Authorities urge anyone with information or relevant footage to come forward and remind riders to secure their e-bikes when unattended. Police also advise owners to record serial numbers to aid in recovery if stolen, highlighting the ongoing challenges in combating this crime wave.
More than 10 social media posts in the past month have pointed to similar thefts, indicating a broader trend affecting the delivery community. Riders like Du, Alan, and Liu are calling for increased awareness and preventive measures, as they navigate the risks of their part-time jobs in an increasingly costly urban environment.
