Talented rider left in tears after bikes theft

Buy photos » This is the red Honda CR250 which was one of the bikes stolen. (s)

A TALENTED motocross rider said he was left in tears after thieves stole his beloved bikes.

Christopher Thompson, who competes in races all over the world, spoke of his devastation after his Wyre Piddle home in Polar Avenue was broken into between 11.30pm on Wednesday, January 4 and 8.30am on Thursday, January 5.

The thieves stole a lime green Kawasaki KX250 YCF, a red Honda CR250, a blue Carrera mountain bike, a white Cannondale road bike and another blue off-road motorbike. Four pairs of boots and protective clothing were also taken as thieves ran off with equipment up to £15,000.

A heartbroken Christopher, who races as a hobby, said the burglary at his home has been hard to cope with and made it a terrible start to the New Year.

"I have been absolutely devastated by it," he told the Observer. "The last week or so has been so difficult because them bikes are basically my life.

"It is not often you see me cry but when I found out my bikes had gone I was in bits. I even had to take the day off work because I was so upset."

"I don't know how anyone could do this. This is a pretty quiet village and I've not seen anything happen like this here."

"What also hurt me was the theft of the child's bike. I kept it in my garage as a favour for a friend thinking it would be safe in my garage but it was obviously not. Telling him it had been stolen was one of the hardest things I have had to do."

Police are investigating the incident and Christopher's dad has pledged to give a £1,000 reward if the bikes are returned.

"If anyone knows where the bikes are or knows who has taken them then please inform the police, I would be so grateful," Christopher added.

Anyone with information about the incident should call PC Hawkins on 0300 333 3000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.