The owner of a bike shop says the theft of £15,000 worth of goods from his store 'is a real kick in the teeth'.

Bridport Cycles – a shop off Mill Lane in Symondsbury – was broken into between 5pm on Friday, February 24 and 2pm on Sunday, February 26.

Around £15,000 worth of bikes and parts were reportedly stolen, mainly electric bikes and two very expensive non-electric bikes, including a turquoise Yeti SB150 mountain bike valued at around £6,000.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

The owner Robert Stobart says this was the first burglary in the shop’s seven year history and as a result he is feeling 'unsettled'.

Mr Stobart said: “All bike shops seem to get broken into eventually, but it was kind of the unexpected expected.

“Coming off a slow winter and then for this to happen is another kick in the teeth. It is a bit unsettling, you kind of start double-checking everything and feeling insecure. Hopefully, it's a one-off."

Mr Stobart still has stock and remains open for business but has little hope of ever seeing the stolen bikes again.

“They broke the padlock on an external door and the lock on the internal door. This is a quiet area, so no-one heard the alarm," added Mr Stobart.

"Police have been really great. The forensic guy came out in a couple of hours and the police took a statement later that evening."

Officers from Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward following the incident.

Police Constable Jack White, of West Dorset police, said: "I would urge anyone who saw or heard any unusual activity in the area to please come forward.

"I understand a white van was seen in the vicinity during the night on Saturday, February 25 and I am keen to hear from anyone who may have captured either the van or anything of relevance on dashcam or CCTV footage.

"Also, I would like to speak to anyone who has seen one of the bikes matching the descriptions given for sale locally in unusual circumstances."

Those with information are asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230030768.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.