7:28am Saturday 18th July 2009
By David Roberts
TENS of thousands of pounds worth of mountain bikes are being stolen by what could be an organised crime gang.
Police say that between 30 and 40 high-specification mountain bikes have been stolen from the Darlington area.
Many of the bikes are worth more than £1,000 each and it is believed that the thieves could be specifically targeting the more expensive bikes.
Cyclists are being urged to be vigilant when using their bikes because, police say, it is possible that the thieves could be following them and seeing where their bike is stored.
One Darlington man who had his mountain bike, worth £2,000, stolen from his garage, believes more people need to be aware of the threat.
Jason Mitson’s Marin Wolf Ridge bike was bought for him by his family for his 40th birthday.
However, it was taken from his garage on Monday night.
He said: “It had a lot of sentimental value. All the locks were forced off the garage door and it was definitely that bike they targeted.
“The bike was at the back of the garage and there were other bikes there of a lesser value that weren’t touched.
“The public needs to be aware that this sort of thing is going on so they can either take their bikes into their houses or store them more securely.”
Police said that in summer months there is often an increase in shed and outhouse burglaries.
However, the increase in the number of bike thefts is causing concern.
A police spokeswoman said: “We have had a noticeable increase in thefts of bicycles in the past six months, particularly more expensive highspecification machines.
“Inquiries are ongoing and we would urge bicycle owners to be vigilant with regard to the security of their machines and, if necessary, contact us for crime prevention advice.
“If anyone is offered bicycles or parts of bikes for sale they should get in touch with police or the independent charity Crimestoppers.”
Mr Mitson’s bike had the frame number F347LACO38 and the model number was AC081295196W.
Police can be contacted on 0345-60-60-365, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.
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