Stolen racing bicycles were worth £10,000

Seven top-of-the-range mountain bikes stolen just hours before a major cycling event in south Shropshire were worth at least £10,000, it has been revealed.

The bikes were all securely locked up at a campsite at Hopton Woods, near Craven Arms, before being taken sometime between 11pm on Saturday and 7am the following morning, according to police.

They all belonged to competitors due to take part in the National Points Cross Country Series event which was held on Sunday, and makes of bikes taken included Specialized, Cube, On-One, Trek, Scott and Giant.

Police believe locks on the bikes had been damaged before they were taken, and it is believed a professional team of thieves was involved.

Lindsey Pearce, of Pearce Cycles of Ludlow, which helped to run the event, said: "Each of the seven bikes taken was valued between £1,500 and £2,000. We had 500 people from across the country competing so the event still went ahead, however the day was spoilt for seven of these riders."

Constable John Scimia of West Mercia Police, who is investigating the thefts, said: "At some point someone has damaged the locks in order to remove the bikes, worth at least £10,000 in total.

"A quantity of 'Whack Job' clothing was taken from one of the vehicles. This clothing is not available in the shops and only a few online retailers sell it so if anyone is offered it, I would be keen to hear from them.

"It appears that whoever took the bikes knew what they were looking for, as many of the bikes which were secured together have been left while others seem to have been cherry-picked from the group."

Anyone with details should call police on 101 or pass on information anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111.