Burglary blitz on cycling scheme

Mark McClure tidies up after the second raid.

A NON-profit making organisation which works with schools and community groups to get children cycling has been hit by a burglary double whammy.

Staff spent two days mopping up flooding and removing office equipment after thieves stripped lead from the roof of Try-Cycles in Union Street. But the burglars then returned and stole five mountain bikes, kit and a generator worth around £7,500.

Three of the bikes belonged to the Mossley Sports Forum which has been working with Try-Cycle.

Window
The raiders broke in through an unsecured window at the back of the neighbouring Taj Mahal overnight on Thursday. They then stripped lead from the roofs of the former restaurant, which has been closed for several years, and Try-Cycle.

They returned on Saturday night and Try-Cycle managing director Mark McClure said: “They went through the Taj Mahal, on to their roof through a hatch, and into our building through our roof.

“It is the first time that anything like this has happened to us and because we are a not-for-profit organisation it is difficult for us to take the hit.

“We are not insured for contents. We always thought we would be safe with the shutters — we did not anticipate someone coming in through the roof.

“Unfortunately we can’t find out who owns the Taj Mahal and it is still unsecured around the back. The windows round there are all exposed.”

Mark is chairman of the International Mountain Biking Association and worked with the council to develop the new trail on Crompton Moor.

He is offering a reward for information leading to the return of the bikes which includes three black and tan GT mountain bikes worth about £450 each.

The other two are very distinctive. The first is a white Specialized Demo worth about £3,500 with a cow print saddle, yellow Mavic wheels and white Marzocchi forks.

The second is a racing green Specialized Enduro with white Marzocchi forks, white handle bars and a white saddle.

People with information should call Oldham police on 0161-872 5050 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.