A 21-year-old man has been arrested and released on bail in connection with the theft of three bikes worth a combined total in excess of £20,000.
Current British Circuit Time Trial Champion Josh Teasdale had three of his bikes stolen – including the bike that he rode to victory on to claim the red, white and blue jersey - from his home in Hardwick, Stockton-on-Tees, on January 20.
Although the bikes have yet to be recovered, on Saturday (January 31) officers from Cleveland Police arrested the man following information they had received in the aftermath of the incident.
A spokeswoman said: “Enquiries have led officers to believe that stolen bikes could possibly be being stored in insecure sheds or outbuildings, specifically in the Hardwick area.
“Local residents are asked to check their outbuildings and sheds and to contact police if they come across a bike which does not belong to them.”
CCTV footage captures two youths stealing three bikes from Josh Teasdale's garage near Stockton-on-Tees
Two youths rode up to the garage of the house where the time-trialist stores his bikes just before 3.30pm and proceeded to ride off with a Scott Plasma road bike, a Scott Plasma TT and red and black Ridley just 50 seconds after forcing entry into the house.
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Despite at least two cars and three people opposite the house being in sight of the burglary, no one intervened.
The theft has meant that Josh, a winner of three local hill climbs last autumn, is unable to compete in time trials for the foreseeable future. He is set to ride for Prorace this year in Belgium, having previously ridden for Terra Footwear.
Anyone with information regarding the theft is urged to contact DC Will Galloway of Stockton Volume Crime Unit on 101.
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