Police hunt gang who ransacked Northants bike shop after breaking through wall

Police in Northamptonshire have launched an appeal for information after a bike shop in Higham Ferrers was broken into by criminals who tore a hole in the wall and made off with thousands of pounds worth of bikes and other items.

A picture provided by police shows how the thieves gained entrance to AJ Cycles at some time between 9.45 on the evening of Saturday 30 May and the early hours of Sunday morning.

It shows how the cladding of the wall was ripped away, and breeze blocks removed to enable them to get inside the premises, which are located on a business park.

So they could carry out the raid undisturbed, they had blocked a public footpath with security fencing, and also put up a screen so they could not be seen, say officers.

In all, 40 carbon fibre frame bikes – from Giant, Specialized and Trek – were taken from the shop, established in 2007, as well as Endura and Pearl Izumi branded clothing.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Billy Roberts from Northamptonshire Police said: "We believe an organised gang was responsible for this theft because it would clearly have taken a deal of planning.

"We hope now that anybody who saw these people, or their vehicles, in the area at the time will come forward.

"Similarly, we would ask anyone who is offered high end carbon fibre bicycles for sale in unusual circumstances to contact us.”

Police believe the gang were dressed in high-visibility clothing and that they would have used a large van or lorry to make off with their haul.

Anyone who saw the thieves or who has information about the incident is asked to call police on 101, or the charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.