Dan. I'm worried. This is me being worried, OK?
I'm worried about you. Let me explain. I know you had your bike nicked. I know they beat up your girlfriend while they nicked your bike but I'm really scared that you are going to put yourself in an impossible position - over a bike.
As I see it you have several choices.
1. Move on. This involves adopting a blinkered and somewhat typical attitude for Manchester - and especially that salubrious shithole area you now call home - draw no attention and do unto others before they get the f***ing chance! Find somewhere to live that doesn't include Gorton, Longsight, Levenshulme or anywhere else that's a serial killers dream . . . (In all seriousness - some areas are still quite nice)
2. Make a stand. Play into the hands of these guys. They will end up knowing who you are, where you live, who your friends are - all about you. They are scum, they possess nothing and have nothing that is of any interest to you and yours. They have the power to kill you or leave you bleeding in a back alley somewhere and they have no conscience, compunction or character.
The only true solution is a Transit with false plates, shotguns and a trip to a very cold dark and deep lake but it ain't gonna happen. (I can't get cheap vans and the guy who used to supply the shooters is mental and can't get them any more - allegedly)
Please understand this. The Police do not give a shit. They are not interested in nicking the scrotes who nicked your bike. They are not interested in the recovery of your bike. They will, conversely, become very interested in nicking you if you become a nuisance to them. If you appear on their radar then they will become your enemy as much as the scrotes who nicked your bike and hurt your girlfriend.
If you can't live with it - move. If you can't stomach these shitheads - move. Don't look at it as a defeat - look at it from the point of view that if you didn't you could end up being reduced to their level. Look at it from the point of view that you CAN. "Up yours!" I'm offski! Go - and never look back.
Sorry if this makes me sound like a Jewish mother.
luv'n'stuff
John