Police are warning visitors to this weekend's Kona Mash-Up to think about bike security following a recent spate of thefts in the Port Talbot area.
On Tuesday, eight mountain bikes were stolen from a secure lock-up at Afan Forest Park Visitor Centre. Last month, nine race bikes worth around £30,000 were stolen during round three of the British Mountain Bike Series at nearby Margam Park.
Inspector Karl Eenmaa, of the Port Talbot Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This weekend will see hundreds of mountain bikers come to Glyncorrwg to enjoy the fantastic trails and facilities. It's absolutely essential that all the visitors take every precaution available to them in order to keep their belongings safe.
"I've no doubt that there is an organised crime group targeting this area and these events to steal expensive mountain bikes. Investigations into the previous incidents are ongoing and we're working with the event organisers to ensure that security is in place.”
Four of the bikes stolen from the Afan centre, worth around £4,000, were later found dumped in a hedge just off the A4107 near Cynonville. The other four are still missing, and police are appealing for information. Here are the details:
- 2009 Kona 120 Supreme, 18in, white fork, mostly white frame with orange and red graphics, value £900.
- 2010 Kona Cadabra, 18ine, white fork, red and silver frame, serial no. HOAH 12977, value £1,600.
- 2010 Kona Cadabra, 18in, white fork, red and silver frame, serial no. HOAH 13193, value £1,700.
- 2010 Kona Cadabra, 20in, white fork, red and silver frame, serial no. HOAH 13019, value £1,600.
Anyone with information is asked to contact South Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
