Police have confirmed that a bike worth thousands of pounds was stolen as a shop was ram-raided.

Herts Police have released an appeal for information after a vehicle is believed to have been driven into the Cycles UK store in St Albans Road, Watford, at around 2.38am today (December 21).

The bike that was reported stolen, a green Orbea bicycle, is worth approximately £4,000. It is not clear whether any other items were taken, although several other bikes were damaged during the burglary.

It is believed that the suspect left in a red Ford vehicle.

Officers are investigating it as an act of theft and criminal damage, with the front of the shop having been "heavily damaged".

In a picture from the scene, taken at around 12.40pm today (December 21), the shutter and glass frontage had been knocked into the storefront and display items and bikes were left strewn across the shop floor. Police had cordoned off the area.

PC Rhys Brain said: “I am appealing to anyone who might have been driving in the area at the time, or any businesses along the road who may have footage which could help with enquiries.

“If you have any information, please contact me by email via rhys.brain@herts.police.uk.”

Information can also be provided by calling 101, quoting crime reference 41/101717/23.
Watford Observer: Cycles UK Watford, picture taken at around 12.40pm.Cycles UK Watford, picture taken at around 12.40pm. (Image: Contribtuion)