THE owners of a unique tandem bicycle have appealed for help to trace it after it was stolen during the Christmas period.

The distinctive red bike was owned by Elmy Cycles in St Helen’s Street and used for charity and promotional events.

Shop owner Steve Grimwood, 41, is appealing for people to keep an eye out for the bike, which was stolen from a passageway at the rear of the shop some time between Tuesday, December 18 and Wednesday, January 2.

“It’s one-of-a-kind, it’s an American-style cruiser,” he said. “It’s quite distinctive.

“We think there’s a good chance it’s floating around Ipswich somewhere.”

The red Schwinn cruiser chopper-style tandem also has advertising boards for Elmy cycles attached to it.

“It is easy to spot,” Mr Grimwood said. “The name Schwinn is embedded into the frame.”

Elmy Cycles bought the bike towards the end of 2011.

Mr Grimwood said: “We wanted something that we could use for fun events and for charity events.

“The Sky Ride and the Tour of Britain were coming to Ipswich and some people had asked if we had a tandem.”

The tandem bike was used to lead out the Ipswich Sky Ride and the mayor of Ipswich Mary Blake even got the chance to have a ride on the back.

One of the bike’s trips involved two county council workers cycling 100 miles around Suffolk dressed as Batman and Robin to raise money for Children in Need and the unique red bike also attended the Bicycle Ball – a bicycle-themed fundraising evening at the Brewery Tap pub.

“Really it was something we could use to raise awareness of cycling,” Mr Grimwood said.

“It was also used to have a bit of fun and raise some money for charity. It’s a shame, we certainly won’t be able to replace it easily. It’s one of a kind.

“It would be nice to get it back if we could. If not, we’d like to get hold of another tandem, but I don’t think we’ll get anything quite as stylish.”

The lock attached to the bike meant it could not have been wheeled from its location and must have been carried and lifted over a back wall and gate.

If you have seen the bicycle or know where it is now, call police on 101 quoting IC/13/36.