Motorcyclist on round-the-world tour 'heartbroken' after bike stolen in UK

Yogesh Alekari’s bike was stolen when he left it at Wollaton Hall in Nottingham around 11am on August 28, and all of his belongings were attached at the time, as ITV News’ Mahatir Pasha reports

A man from India has said he is “heartbroken” after his motorbike was stolen in Nottingham in the middle of his world tour.

“I lost everything… It’s not my bike, it’s my home, my passion, my soul… It’s part of my body and it got stolen and I’m just completely shocked,” Yogesh Alekari told ITV News outside the Indian High Commission in London, where he was applying for a new passport after it was also taken.

Before arriving in Nottingham, Yogesh had been travelling around the world on his KTM 390 Adventure motorbike and had visited 17 countries as part of his most recent trip.

His bike was stolen when he left it at Wollaton Hall in Nottingham around 11am on August 28, and all of his belongings were attached at the time.

“I never ever expected in this country I would have this kind of experience because everyone warned me to be careful in Iran or Russia, but I got a warm welcome in China and Russia… And that was just heartbreaking. Nobody ever warned me about the UK. Everybody trusts in this police,” he said.

Yogesh had previously written on Instagram that his vehicle was “more than a ride; it’s a companion for every expedition, a partner in every challenge, and a symbol of limitless freedom”.

Yogesh travelled 15,000 miles in 118 days, and has visited countries including Nepal, China, the Gobi Desert, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, and France since he left Mumbai on May 1.

Yogesh Alekari had his bike stolen while he was in Nottingham. / Credit: roaming_wheeels / Instagram

He said he is trusting that the police will find his motorbike and his luggage.

“I believe the UK police has the technology and resources to recover my bike and they will hand it over to me… I travel a lot and that was heartbreaking, I am helpless,” he said.

Yogesh’s original plan was to travel from Mumbai to the UK and then on to Cape Town, documenting his journey on Instagram for his 184,000 followers.

Nottinghamshire Police is now appealing for any information linked to the stolen bike.

PC Andy Smith, of Nottinghamshire Police, said he “can only imagine how distressing it was” for him to find his motorbike and belongings had been stolen.

“Our policing teams have been following multiple lines of inquiry since this happened and hope sharing an image of the bike in this appeal will help us locate it quicker.

“Anyone who recognises the motorbike, saw this theft happen, or has any other information that could assist our investigation is asked to please get in touch with us, so that we can take action.”