Speedway bike stolen from van

A WELLESBOURNE man with multiple sclerosis has spoken of his anger after criminals stole a £3,000 speedway motorcycle from a van at his home.

Steve Simmons, 60, of Ettington Close, had been storing the bike for a friend when it was pinched overnight on 21st-22nd August.

Criminals cut a hole in the back door of the van and were able to open the doors without setting off the vehicle’s alarm.

Steve has a background in speedway racing and says his work tuning engines helps him cope with his condition.

Steve said: “I know that people do steal motorbikes but this was a specialist speedway bike so I think they must have known what they were looking for, they didn’t touch any of the tools in the van.

“I called my friend to let him know what had happened, he was ok about it, I’m just amazed at how easily they managed to get into the van. “I feel very disappointed that this has happened in Wellesbourne, it’s not the kind of thing that happens a lot around here. It makes you feel very wary of security.

“The bike was worth around £3,000 but if it was new it would be about £8,000. Tuning engines is my therapy really, I push myself to do it.”

A £500 reward is being offered to anyone who can provide information leading to the return of the bike. If you have any information call police on 101 with the reference number 23S6/28853AL/16.