'It was always going to happen:' Anger as 24/7 rapid response unit called in to deal with Sheffield yellow bike vandals

Since the scheme was introduced in the city in January, dozens of the Ofo bikes have been smashed up, stolen or dumped in rivers and canals - with levels of vandalism in Sheffield 'far above' other UK cities where the scheme operates.

But the move has met with criticism from some Star readers - who have said that the vandalism was inevitable from the outset.

Jeffrey Goodinson posted on Facebook: "Who in their right mind would expect anything else in this city?

"This city where I was born and bred in and so proud of where I come from is now a paradise for thieves, drugs, car crime and burglary. The police have enough to deal with without having to waste there time sorting this pathetic system out."

Readers from across Sheffield have reported spotting vandalised bikes dumped in their area - with many having locks and tracking equipment smashed off so they can be used as personal transport.

The scheme also operates across London, Oxford, Cambridge, Norwich and Leeds - but since its January launch, dozens of bikes have been trashed in Sheffield with rates of destruction the worst in the UK.

Julie El Aallaoui said:"There's loads in Page Hall. They've even started trying to spray paint them now. Worst thing they did was bring them out!"

Sandra Allen wrote: "There's three that I've seen at Wincobank. No baskets, the locking mechanism gone. Wobbly wheels. It's a shame. Still being ridden by the theives."

And Susan Dexter wrote: "That's Sheffield today - what a load of low lives we have around us now," while Stephen Rowley simply added: "This is why we can't have nice things."

David Hoyland said: "Hardly a surprise! Sad but not a surprise with toe rags we have living here! The great unwashed."

Angela Keyworth wrote: "Poor bikes, at last they are getting the protection they deserve."

Anyone who sees a yellow Ofo bike being vandalised should call 0808 1017141 to alert the rapid response team.