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Search forBikes and helmets taken in £6,000 raid at Alvaston Park BMX track
Tuesday, December 02, 2008, 07:30
Thieves prised open the door of a metal container used to store equipment and took 20 bikes, 100 pairs of gloves, 40 helmets and a tool box.
The track at Alvaston Park was recently upgraded to national standards by Derby City Council's Cycle Derby team, thanks to an £85,000 grant from Sport England.
It reopened at the end of July, nearly a month behind schedule, after contractors' vehicles were vandalised and equipment was stolen.
Police have managed to recover some of the bikes after the latest incident but most of the equipment is still missing. Each bike costs about £300 and a helmet is worth £50.
Mark Smith, training and promotions co-ordinator for Cycle Derby, said he was "sickened" by the theft.
His own bike was also stolen in the raid.
"I was absolutely devastated when I found out," he said.
"The stuff is worth more than £6,000.
"I think they must have used some sort of equipment to prise open the door. We just have one pair of gloves left and about seven bikes.
"It must have been planned, they must have had a van or something to take it all away.
"We have been told that it should be covered by insurance but we are obviously desperate to get it back,"
The equipment is loaned out to children who do not have bikes and helmets of their own so they can use at the track.
Community cycling development coach Lauren Smith, of Cycle Derby, organises practice sessions and holds Derby BMX club nights at the track, which is considered one of the best in the country.
The 21-year-old, who is Britain's number-two ranked BMX rider, said: "Everyone down here is very disappointed about what has happened.
"All the equipment is rented out to local children who haven't got any stuff themselves. We haven't got much left now. It is very disheartening. We are just hoping that we can get it back."
Alvaston ward councillor Paul Bayliss said: "I think this is absolutely disgusting and the scum that has done this should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. I know the team down there works very hard.
"I would urge anyone who knows anything about this to speak to the police."
The theft took place at some point between 4pm on Saturday and 4pm on Sunday.
Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call police on 0345 123 3333 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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