Appeal launched after raiders target north-east cycle shop

The hunt is on to track down six distinctive cycles where were stolen from a north-east business.

Owner of the Bennachie Bike Bothy in Monymusk, Clark Sutherland commented: "We are utterly devastated to post this today.

"Our shop was broken into at 1am, by three gents in a silver Renault traffic, which is missing the front left wheel trim.

"Six bikes were stolen to the value of roughly £31,200.

"They are an XL bird AM9 in Yellow with deore, coil and lyrik ult, an L bird Aether 7 in raw alloy, with AXS and fox factory kit new, an ML bird AM160, demo bike in orange and quite tatty, an L pivot firebird, sandstorm, fox factory kit, TRP drivetrain and brakes, an S2 Kenevo expert, black, boxers, TRP brakes and AXS and an L 2016ish giant reign, silver and blue, quite good condition, but mid repair, dropper broken. "

Anyone with information on the theft or the whereabouts of the bikes is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Alexander Burnett, said: “It’s sickening that heartless thieves would target a business in Monymusk like this.

“The last 18 months have been especially difficult for independent traders and for this to happen is absolutely despicable.

“Bennachie Bike Bothy does a lot of fantastic work for the community, working with local guides and coaches to highlight the fantastic landmarks that our area has to offer.

“I hope the culprits are caught and dealt with appropriately and I would urge anyone with any information to contact the police as soon as possible.”