A BIKE shop owner is counting the cost after his Warwick shop was ransacked by burglars.
Gary Wythe, who collects, repairs and sell bikes at his shop Unleashed Cycles, was devastated to find the entire contents of his shop cleared out when he arrived on Monday morning (October 8).
Nearly 20 bikes were taken – including rare and vintage models from his own personal collection – from the Heathcote Industrial Estate store.
As well as his stock, the thieves even took household items Gary had stored ahead of moving into a new home with his fiancee.
He told The Observer: “They emptied everything and made an absolute mess of the place.
“They took all my bikes, my customers’ bikes, ones I’ve gathered over the years – including one of just 100 made.
“Five years of hard work, blood, sweat and tears completely devastated in one night.
“It’s heart wrenching especially as it’s just me here. It makes it more personal and it’s money out of my own pocket.”
But the 30-year-old has been lifted by the support of loyal customers.
He added: “My customers have been phenomenal. Every single person, even ones whose bikes were taken, have been so supportive. I’ve had so many fantastic comments and tons of texts.
“I won’t let the shop be defeated by what happened and I hope to re-open soon.”
The bike enthusiast has been running his shop for some five years. Before going solo he spent eight years working and training as a bicycle mechanic.
The shop is thought to have been burgled by a group of four sometime between 7.30pm and 11.30pm on Sunday (October 7).
Anyone with information should call police on 101.
