Two prototype folding bikes described as “complete one-offs” were last night stolen in a raid on Starley Bikes in Altrincham.
The bikes, the only ones of their kind in the country, were taken from the paint studio at the high-performance bike manufacturers on Church Street.
Marketing director Nick Fountain told us that extensive damage had been caused to the studio, with the door and windows smashed in and paint guns stolen. Three batteries for Shimano Steps electric bikes were also taken.
The two stolen bikes were “uniquely designed” urban bikes bought by Starley from the Folding Project company for consultation purposes. They retail at around £1,200 each.
The damage to the paint studio and the theft of the guns means work on new, handpainted bikes will have to cease for at least a week while the damage is repaired and replacement guns are ordered.
At least 10 outstanding bike orders will be delayed as a result.
Fountain said: “The biggest frustration is the hit we will take in terms of man hours – in fact it’s quite upsetting that someone would just go in and almost take away our livelihood like that.
“My day tomorrow will be spent phoning all our customers and letting them know what has happened.”
He said the stolen bikes – distinctively designed in black and white – were “completely useless” to anyone else.
“Nearly every component on it is unique to that bike, so they have no real monetary value and would be spotted if anyone tried to sell them on.”
Police said the raid happened between 6pm last night and 7am this morning.
Anyone with any information should contact the police via 101 or anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Starley Bikes was also broken into within a week of opening in 2013.
