Cycle shop burgled twice in two weeks

Recently-opened Supernova Cycles, in Newbury, was targetted by thieves this morning (Thursday)

A NEW cycle shop which only opened in Newbury a fortnight ago has already been burgled twice.

Supernova Cycles moved into Bartholomew Street at the start of the year and was initially targeted by thieves on January 1, the day before the store officially opened.

In the early hours of this morning (Thursday) goods were stolen from inside the store again after offenders smashed the shop front window.

Thames Valley Police were called to the scene at about 6.44am and Scenes of Crime Officers were sent out to investigate.

During the break-in three Kona mountain bikes were taken as well as two customer repair Giant Anthem bikes, tools from the workshop and clothing and accessories from the shop floor.

Co-Owner of the shop, Cristian Tomlinson, said earlier today: “I felt sick.

“It's not good, especially the second time around.

“I have got pretty thick skin though and am going to keep plugging away.

“We are not going anywhere. I like Newbury and I don't regret moving here.”

During the first break in on January 1 the offenders used a crowbar to break in through backdoor.

They stole about seven bicycles, to the total value of approximately £8,000, including a bicycle which belonged to Mr Tomlinson.

He said that the shop would now have to install extra security measures, including shutters for the windows and a high-tech security alarm system.

Mr Tomlinson said that the police were looking into whether West Berkshire Council's CCTV cameras had captured the incident.

He said that having CCTV was needed for the security of the business but said that the cameras should be more visible to deter thieves.

He said: “I think the CCTV should be put quite high up and painted yellow.

“Make it obvious because it is a deterrent.”

Supernova Cycles is the second Bartholomew Street store to be the victim of crime in just over a month.

On Thursday, December 16, the nearby furniture shop, Octopus, was at the receiving end of an unprovoked attack which resulted in damage costing thousands of pounds to repair.

During this incident, a man walked up to the store and kicked in the shop window, damaging stock including a 1940s china tea set which had been in immaculate condition.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the Supernova Cycles incident. Anyone with information should contact Pc Daniel Howard at Newbury police station on 0845 8 505 505.