High-value bikes stolen in 'organised' store raid

Mark Reynolds standing in his shop with empty shelves behind himImage source, Richard Daniel/BBC
Image caption,

Mark Reynolds believes cameras at the shop were "systematically disabled"

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The owner of a bike shop said he was left "devastated" after his store was broken into and cleared out.

Mark Reynolds, owner of Pedal Power Cycles in Rushmere St Andrew, Suffolk, said he believed the theft was "well organised".

He said the thieves disabled outside cameras, cut the phone lines and used bolt cutters to break open a gate.

Suffolk Police said there were "currently no arrests".

Mr Reynolds said the theft took place overnight on 21 March and about 30 "high value" bikes were stolen.

He said he was "pretty devastated" by the incident and added: "We've lost everything that we had in the shop - new bikes, parts, accessories.

"I wouldn't want to make too many accusations, but sure, it was a very well organised crime."

The store owner said he believed his business was "very safe" and he had taken precautions to make it secure, including installing alarms.

The inside of a shop where bike racks, shelves and a cabinet are left emptyImage source, Richard Daniel/BBC
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The owner said helmets, pedals and tyres had been taken from shelves

Mr Reynolds said the shop was currently closed but he was hoping to reopen within seven days.

"Everyone's quite welcome to come and visit us, just have a chat, see how we are," he added.

A spokesperson for Suffolk Police said: "Unknown offenders forced entry into a business in Woodbridge Road, Rushmere St Andrew.

"Bicycles and other stock items were stolen and there was criminal damage with the forced entry and cables cut."

The force asked any witnesses or anyone with information to contact them.

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