A PEEBLES mum has spoken out of her family’s heartbreak after £6,000 worth of mountain bikes were stolen during a break in at their home.

Five mountain bikes were stolen from Karen Sinclair’s Crossburn Farm Road home during a crime spree in Peebles which saw more than  £11,000 worth of bikes taken over five days.

Karen told the Peeblesshire News: “Upon discovering that the bikes had been stolen, my initial reaction was a huge amount of anger and devastation. 

“Two of the bikes are mine, two are my husband’s and one belongs to my 13-year-old son. We are all keen cyclists, who have worked hard to be able to afford them, and they are gone just like that.

“Our friends, family and wider community believe that it is too easy to commit a crime and get away with it in Peebles. Many people feel that this is an easy target due to the limited police resources in our area.

“I’d warn others across Peebles to check their insurance policy to clarify what value of contents in their garage they are actually covered for. Regardless of the bikes itemised on the policy, most insurance policies will only pay out a certain amount. 

“We have since launched an appeal for anyone with positive information which leads to the return of our bikes to call 07834 708521. We have a cash reward of £500 for this information.

There have been four reported thefts of nine high-value bikes from garages and sheds in Peebles between Thursday, March 16, and Monday, March 20.

The first incident is believed to have occurred between 2pm on Thursday, March 16 and 4.30pm on Saturday, March 18, when a white Canyon Nerve AM bike (valued at around £1,600) was stolen from Ballantyne Place.

The second incident happened between 5pm on Friday, March 19, and 3.30pm on Sunday, March 19. A White Lapierre Zesty bike (valued at around £1,200) was stolen from Crossland Crescent.

The third break-in was between 6pm on Sunday, March 19, and 6.40am on Monday, March 20, when two bikes each valued at £1,300 were stolen from Edinburgh Road.

In the latest incident, the bikes stolen from Karen’s home were taken between 7.30pm on Sunday, March 19, and 12.30pm the following day.

They include a white gents orange five Pro 29, an orange Gents Orange P7 Pro, a blue ladies Trek X–Caliber nine, a lime green gents Trek X–Caliber seven and a ladies Giant Alliance road bike and a black carbon fibre frame.

Inspector Tony Hodges of Galashiels Police Station said: “These thefts occurred at addresses where the bikes were secure, nevertheless we would ask that the public be aware of these thefts and be vigilant. Be aware of any suspicious activity in your area, including any suspicious vehicles especially larger ones that could be used to carry stolen bikes. 

“I would ask anyone with information about these thefts to get in touch as soon as possible on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Peeblesshire News:

One of the bikes belonging to Karen Sinclair (Photo: Karen Sinclair)

Peeblesshire News:

Orange Five29 bike (Photo: Karen Sinclair)