Members of a Sunbury team which provides sporting opportunities for disadvantaged people are reeling after the theft of four bicycles from a locked container in Gap Road.
Reclink co-ordinator Brian Millett said the team was desperately trying to arrange replacement bikes so members can complete enough training for a triathlon in April.
‘‘It’s so very disappointing,’’ he said.
‘‘They were the perfect bikes for what we need. They were different sizes, heights.
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‘‘We had a hybrid for the guys who can’t ride very well and some racers for those that could.
‘‘You don’t like losing anything, but this really hurts.’’
The donated bikes, with a combined value of about $3000, were taken from the container behind Sunbury Baptist Church between 9 and 11pm on January 30.
Other items stolen
Shovels, rakes and other items used by Reclink’s work for dole program were also stolen.
The bikes included a white Scott hybrid, a grey Kona hybrid, a black Diamondback racer with Shimano 105 gearing and an older white and blue racer.
‘‘We’d just used them for a triathlon on January 10,’’ Mr Millett said.
‘‘They were used in a six-week training block leading up to that.
‘‘To steal them from these guys … it’s shocking.’’
Mr Millett said while the triathlons entered by the Reclink team were ‘‘small events’’, they were a major milestone in the lives of team members.
‘‘We have guys who had never swum before … even to turn up for it, it’s a significant thing in their life.’’
Anyone who can help with the provision of replacement bikes can phone Mr Millett on 0425 759 706.
A Sunbury police spokesman urged anyone with information about the theft to phone 9744 8111.
