High-value bikes stolen during a ram-raid in Limavady have been tracked across Northern Ireland, with video footage placing those believed to be responsible in the Markethill area before a later sighting near Newry.
The theft happened during the early hours of Saturday morning at premises in Aghanloo Industrial Estate. The owner, Michael Gahan, has been sharing updates and video footage on social media as efforts continue to find the stolen property and identify those responsible.
The bikes have not been recovered and no culprits have been caught, according to the supplied report. Mr Gahan believes the extensive public response and the circulation of footage mean the stolen items may now be difficult for the thieves to sell. He has appealed directly to those responsible to leave the bikes somewhere safe and make contact with their location.
What was taken
The haul included 25 Revvi bikes and 14 Aptum 8f e-bikes, which were described as very rare. The bikes had only just been delivered. The thieves also took Mr Gahan’s own Ifor Williams bv106 trailer, using it to remove the bikes from the premises.
Mr Gahan estimates the value of the stolen bikes at around £50,000, leaving him significantly out of pocket. He previously said at least four people were involved and that the group spent three hours or more at the Limavady property.
The premises were left at about 3.25am on the Saturday. The group was understood to be travelling with a dark-coloured Transit van.
Route tracked towards Armagh and Newry
Video footage and public reports have helped track the gang’s movements. The group was picked up travelling in the Markethill area, while the last sighting shared in the report was shortly before 6am on Saturday on the A28 at Newry, before the vehicle joined the A1.
Mr Gahan asked people whose properties face main roads to check CCTV for possible sightings. He said he hoped the combined efforts of the public and his own tracking work would help recover the bikes.
Police appeal
Police said access had been forced at the Aghanloo Industrial Estate premises. Damage was caused to a shed door and several fences, while CCTV wires had also been cut.
“At approximately 10.40am on Saturday 15th August, it was reported that access had been forced to the premises in Aghanloo Industrial Estate, and damage caused to a shed door and a number of fences. CCTV wires had also been cut.”
Chief Inspector Adams said enquiries remained ongoing and appealed to anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area at the time of the incident, or in the days beforehand, to contact police.
Information can be provided to the police on 101 using reference number 532 of 15/08/236. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.