A Broughty Ferry man is offering a “substantial” reward for the return of his expensive off-road mountain bike after it was stolen from outside his flat on Saturday.
Lawrence Juliussen, of Manor Place, says the silver Giant Trance X bike, worth around £3,000, was taken by criminals who had obviously targeted him.
Lawrence, 55, said it is the second time in eight years he has had expensive bikes stolen and he is hoping history repeats itself as two bikes worth around £5,000 were returned to him by the thieves themselves after he offered a reward.
“You could call it a ransom because I actually got the bikes back from the guys who stole them,” Lawrence said.
“This bike is worth about £3,000. It was on the top landing of my close in Manor Place. It was all padlocked up along with two spare wheels and they’re worth about £300 each.
“I’ve had it for about two years. I do a bit of off-road cycling, hence the spare wheels. It’s a hobby really but I have done some competitions in the past.
“That was my only bike so I don’t have anything at the minute. The police are involved and they say they’re taking it very seriously because of the value of the bike.
“I’m hoping it’s on CCTV. They must have used a vehicle because they couldn’t have cycled it away.
“I’m pretty convinced that I’ve been targeted. Nobody would go up to the top landing by accident and just grab the bike, so they must have seen me going in and out with it.
“Even if the police look at the CCTV it was the busiest weekend of the year in the Ferry with lots of strangers going about, so nobody would really stand out.
“Obiously they’ve chosen this weekend because of that. I’m prepared to pay a substantial reward it’s worth it to me to get it back.”
Giant, based in Taiwan, is recognized as the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer, with factories in Taiwan, China and the Netherlands.
Its bikes come in several types, including road, off-road, mountain and comfort bikes for cities, and it has sales in more than 50 countries and 12,000 retail outlets.
The theft comes just a month after Lawrence’s car was written off in a four-car pile-up, which happened in the quiet cul-de-sac where he lives.
“My car was reversed into and pushed 80 yards backwards into another car, which hit a car behind it,” he said.
Police confirmed they were investigating the theft of the silver bike, which has red parts, which was reported to them at around 9.30pm. Anyone with any information can call police on 101 or speak to any officer.
Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Anyone with any information can also call 01382 575220.