A growing Sunbury BMX club is in a race against time after thieves raided a shipping container loaded with bikes and helmets for children wanting to try the sport.
Eight bikes valued at $500 each and helmets valued at $120 were among items taken from Sunbury BMX Club’s track at Sunbury Recreation Reserve. A compressor was also stolen.
Club secretary Carolyn Todd said the break-in in late June had put volunteers in a tight spot, with the club preparing to host up to 400 riders for a major meeting on August 23.
‘‘We’re putting a call out for sponsors and anyone who can give the club a hand,’’ Ms Todd said. ‘‘The club’s grown a lot in the past few years. Because of that, we bought the bikes and gear so new kids coming along could have a go without the initial expense.
‘‘The club’s a great place to be at the moment, but to have this theft happen is very disappointing.’’
The club recently became the second-largest in the state, going from 48 riding members in 2013 to 177 this year.
Ms Todd said the August 23 meeting would attract close to 1000 people, but the theft had placed pressure on resources.
‘‘We’re really stretched,” she said. “If any local businesses are able to help, we’d certainly love to promote them at the track.’’
For details, contact secretary@sunburybmxclub.com.au
Kangaroos thefts
Meanwhile, Sunbury Kangaroos Football Club is offering a reward for information that could identify two men captured on CCTV about the time of recent break-ins at Boardman Reserve.
A spokesman said the club believed the men might be associated with, or live close to, the club, with a replacement ducted heating unit stolen on July 5 after the original unit was taken on June 8.
Anyone with information should contact Sunbury police.
