A WOULD-BE thief bit off more than he could chew when he recently attempted to steal 12-year-old Sam’s bike.
Sam (not his real name), a Hills resident, struck back with the full effect of his three years’ of kung fu training.
The pint-sized fighter delivered a spinning kick to the stomach of the much bigger and heavier man, sending him sprawling.
He then picked up his bike and cycled home, leaving the attacker somewhat bewildered in his wake.
The incident happened when Sam, who asked not to be identified, was riding his bike home from a friend’s birthday party along Lesmurdie Road in Kalamunda.
He had trouble with his bike chain and, as he was trying to fix it, a man pulled up in a car and offered help.
While the pair were kneeling on the ground, the man pushed Sam in the chest and knocked him down, where he hit his head on the gravel verge.
Undeterred, Sam quickly regained his feet and began a counter-attack.
The spin kick was delivered to the surprised man as he tried to place the bike in the back of his car.
Sam said this week the kung fu classes had boosted his self-esteem and he was always confident he could handle himself against the much larger attacker.
“I was wary when the man first approached me,” he said.
“It was unexpected but I wasn’t scared.”
Sam said the reason he had spoken out about the incident was to warn other children in the region.
“I want other kids to be wary of people offering help,” he said.
“If you don’t feel comfortable, then don’t accept help. And don’t walk home alone, always walk in a group.”
The incident was reported to police, who are now looking for a rather embarrassed middle-aged assailant.
The man is described as being about 40 years old, 183cm tall with a slightly tanned complexion, short brown hair, medium build and facial stubble.
He was wearing a cream/brown shirt under a yellow reflective vest and knee-length shorts.
His vehicle was a white utility with a black bull bar and snorkel attached. It had white hubcaps or rims, and rust on the tray.
Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 with information.