Yogesh Alekari, a 33-year-old content creator from India, set out on a dream: to circle the globe on his beloved KTM 390 Adventure motorbike, sharing every mile with his nearly 200,000 social media followers. His journey, which began in Mumbai on May 1, 2025, had already taken him through 17 countries and across 15,000 miles—through bustling cities, remote deserts, and breathtaking mountain passes. But on August 28, his adventure took a dramatic and unexpected turn in Nottingham, England, when his motorbike was stolen, leaving him stranded and without most of his possessions.
The theft occurred at Wollaton Park, a popular and seemingly safe spot in Nottingham. Yogesh had parked his bike—fully loaded with luggage, cameras, a spare mobile phone, and his passport—by the hall around 11am before stepping out for breakfast. When he returned less than an hour later, his prized KTM 390 Adventure was gone. As reported by BBC, the loss included not just his means of travel but £15,000 worth of belongings, his travel documents, and the momentum of a journey that had already spanned continents.
“I’m totally depressed and panicked at this moment. It’s not a bike—it’s my passion. It was my dream, my soul,” Yogesh shared in an emotional video posted to Instagram, according to Nottingham Post. The theft, he explained, was more than an inconvenience. It left him stranded in a foreign country with only the clothes on his back, unable to continue the journey he had meticulously planned and passionately documented for his followers.
Yogesh’s global trek had already seen him navigate the roads of Iran, Nepal, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Finland, Norway, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. His plan was to continue through Africa, but the theft derailed his route and left his future uncertain. The story quickly captured the attention of the international biking community and beyond, with outpourings of support flooding in from both the UK and India. Offers of replacement motorcycles, clothing, and even assistance from the production company behind the Long Way Home TV series—fronted by actor Ewan McGregor and presenter Charley Boorman—poured in.
“They’ve changed my perspective. I’m getting huge support from across the country, India, the UK, all the biker community,” Yogesh told BBC. “I’ve got a lot of messages from British bikers, British citizens, saying ‘we are with you—we are going to support you.’” The solidarity shown by the global biking community provided some comfort, even if it couldn’t immediately replace what was lost.
Nottinghamshire Police quickly launched a full-scale investigation. Officers analyzed CCTV footage, interviewed witnesses, and conducted both online and community searches. The police also made a public appeal for information, which, according to BBC, helped generate leads. Sergeant Daniel Sheasby of Nottinghamshire Police described the process: “These have included analyzing available CCTV footage, interviewing witnesses, and conducting searches—both in the community and online. A public appeal was also released to assist the investigation, with information generated from that helping to identify a suspect.”
The breakthrough came on September 8, 2025, when police traced the investigation to an address in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. There, they arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and other offences. “We know, having spoken to the victim of this offence and hearing about his journey, how much the theft of his motorbike has impacted him,” Sergeant Sheasby said, as reported by BBC. “While we’ve so far been unable to return the motorcyclist’s property to him, we hope news of this arrest provides some reassurance that action is being taken.”
Despite the arrest, the stolen black, white, and orange KTM 390 Adventure motorbike remains missing. Police have reiterated their appeal to the public for any information regarding the bike’s whereabouts. “This is still very much an active investigation though, so we’d again appeal to anyone who knows anything but hasn’t shared it with us yet to please do so now,” Sergeant Sheasby urged. He emphasized the seriousness of the crime: “Vehicle theft is a serious offence, so we’re determined to track down anyone involved and return this man’s stolen property to him.”
The theft has not only interrupted Yogesh’s journey but also left him in a precarious situation. Without his passport and essential travel gear, continuing his adventure—or even returning home—became a daunting challenge. The emotional toll was evident in his social media posts, where he shared his distress and the practical difficulties of being stranded. “I’m the victim—I got everything stolen and it was a fully loaded bike. I was heading towards a biking event in Oxford and I parked it in Wollaton Park—it was supposed to be the safest parking,” Yogesh recounted in a video, as cited by Nottingham Post.
Yet, in the face of adversity, Yogesh has found strength in the kindness of strangers and the global biker community. Offers of replacement motorcycles and clothing have come from individuals and organizations alike. The production company behind the Long Way Home TV series reached out with support, and many fellow bikers in the UK and India have offered encouragement and assistance. “I really appreciate it,” Yogesh said of the support. “They’ve changed my perspective.”
The story has resonated with many, not just for the dramatic interruption of a remarkable journey, but for the way it has brought together people from different backgrounds in a shared spirit of compassion and solidarity. The public’s response, both online and in person, has underscored the strength of community—even among strangers—when someone is in need.
As the investigation continues, Nottinghamshire Police have asked anyone with information to come forward, referencing incident 213 of August 28, 2025. Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously. While the arrest marks a significant development, the search for the stolen bike and Yogesh’s belongings remains ongoing.
For now, Yogesh Alekari waits in hope that his journey can resume, buoyed by the support of thousands who have followed his story. His determination and the goodwill of the community serve as a reminder that even when the road takes an unexpected turn, the journey—and the connections made along the way—can still inspire.