Duke of Edinburgh scheme bikes stolen

Thieves have stolen 20 bikes worth £8,000 from a Shropshire Duke of Edinburgh Award Centre, police said today.

The mountain bikes, which were used by youngsters taking part in the scheme, were taken from the centre at Shortwood Primary School, on Limekiln Lane, in Wellington.

Staff discovered the bikes were missing at 11am yesterday but they could have been taken any time from 9am on Monday.

The 10 Carrera Fury mountain bikes were stolen along with 10 Hardrock mountain bikes, including three red ones and seven silver ones.

Constable Paul Gough, of Telford police, said: "Thieves forced their way on to the site then they forced the locks off the container the bikes were kept in.

As the centre is in a residential area, it is hoped someone might have seen suspicious activity probably involving a van or lorry.

The centre is run by Telford & Wrekin Council.

Councillor Stephen Burrell, council cabinet member for children and young people, said: "The bikes were used by young people taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and had recently been purchased following a successful funding bid to the council's Youth Opportunity Panel.

"We would urge anyone with any information to contact the police."

Telford police can be contacted on 0300 333 3000.