THIEVES have stolen 30 bikes from a New Forest cycle hire centre.

Brockenhurst British Transport Police detectives are investigating the theft from Cycle Experience, at Brockenhurst railway station.

Officers hope members of the public may hold key information into the burglary, which took place sometime after 7.30pm on Wednesday, 7 August.

Detective Constable Matt Bevan said: “Around 8.30am on August 8, the owner arrived at the shop to open up for the day and discovered that the doors to the office had been forced open and a laptop, safe and till were missing.

“It is thought that the offenders have taken the stolen keys to the lockups where the cycles are kept, and taken around 30 cycles.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity around the time of the thefts, as this could prove vital into finding who is responsible.

“This was a huge loss for the small business, and the theft of the cycles is bound to have an impact, especially at this peak time of year.

“I would encourage anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious at the time, around the station and the Lymington Road area to get in contact with us.

“If you have been offered a bike matching the description of those that have been stolen, we would really like to hear from you.”

The models stolen are:

  • older Giant Revel 2 - Black/Red. Most with Schwalbe black jack tyres quite skinny. Large and medium sizes taken. Some small sizes taken too.
  • New Giant Revel 2 - Green/ Grey (extra large size)
  • New Giant Revel 1 disc- Black/green (small and medium size)
  • 3 GT Karakorum 29ers (medium, large)

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting reference B4/LSA of 21/08/2013. Alternatively, information can be passed to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.