Chichester community nurse left in tears after electric bike is stolen in broad daylight

Mum-of-two Johanne Haughey said she was in Marks and Spencer, in East Street, between 3.30 and 3.50pm on Thursday afternoon (December 17), when her bike was taken from the railings opposite the shop.

Johanne, 49, said she had taken out a loan to use the £2,000 bike to get to and from work, where she looks after vulnerable patients.

"It was my day off so I was doing some Christmas shopping," she said. "I nipped into the shop for about 20 minutes, I came out and my bike was gone.

"I actually feel really sick because it's been my mode of transport to get to work for seven months.

"I just can't believe that somebody would do it. I haven't even paid for it yet.

"I was absolute sobbing. Marks and Spencer was so good. They came out and helped me, looked after me because I was just devastated."

Without her bike, Johanne said she wouldn't be able to see patients.

She added: "The bike means a lot to me and my patients as well. It's quite unusual for a nurse to be visiting people on a bike. They always think of me as a Call the Midwife person.

"Somebody must have seen something because it was in broad daylight. [The thief] was probably wearing a mask so it might be hard to see but the police are going to look through CCTV.

"It was really busy, a lot of people about.

"The bike is sentimental to me. I just love it. It keeps me healthy and fit and it's my way of getting out and seeing patients."

Johanne said the theft was the last thing she needed, having already been through 'testing times' at work, adding: "It's been very busy but everyone, all the nurses, are pulling together and supporting each other."

Sussex Police confirmed an investigation is underway.

Anyone with information about the theft can report it online or call 101, quoting 955 of 17/12.

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