Bikes used by disabled people stolen from Redhill and Reigate YMCA

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Bikes stolen from Redhill and Reigate YMCA

One of the stolen bikes

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Bikes stolen from Redhill and Reigate YMCA

One of the stolen bikes

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Staff left 'absolutely gutted' after heartless thieves steal £2000 worth of bikes used by disabled people

Heartless thieves have stolen eight bikes used by disabled young people on a cycling course in Reigate.

The bicycles, which belong to Reigate and Redhill YMCA, were stolen from a hut at Earlswood Lake on Sunday 24th August.

Youngsters with disabilities ride the bikes every Monday, Tuesday and Sunday as part of a scheme run by the Reigate and Redhill YMCA.

Members of the public are being asked to keep an eye out for the bikes, and contact Surrey Police if they have any information.

John Brunswick, the Onside scheme coordinator, also issued a heartfelt plea to the thieves:

"Please return these bikes because they make such a difference to young people.

"These bikes mean the world to them. If you have a heart, think about who has been affected by this theft and the difference it makes to their lives."

Three of the bikes, which each cost around £500, are less than two-weeks-old.

Since the scheme started around 18 months ago, more than 100 disabled young people have cycled using the bikes.

Mr Brunswick said the young people learn how to ride and can gain leadership qualifications.

Describing staff as "gutted", he added: "We will have to reevaluate the situation now."

Staff at Reigate and Redhill YMCA are asking for members of the public who can to donate to their page to fund replacement bikes.