Reward offered for bike return

A CYCLIST whose bike was stolen while within sight of a police station after he left it unlocked for a few minutes is today offering a reward for its return.

John Goodwin desperately wants the mountain bike back because it has huge sentimental value - as it was given to him by his son-in-law who died from cancer last year.

The thief struck after Mr Goodwin left his Giant red and silver bike outside the Conservative Club in High Road West, Felixstowe - right opposite the town's police station.

His ten-year-old granddaughter Isabella, whose father John Graham died a year ago, had been pressing him to get out more on her dad's old bike.

Mr Goodwin of Beatrice Avenue, Felixstowe said: “She kept saying I should use daddy's bike, go for a ride. So I decided to do just that and went out to deliver a couple of letters.

“I was really enjoying myself. I went up to Trimley and then came down the High Road and knew I had to just stop off at the Con Club.

“I was literally in there for five minutes and when I came out the bike was gone. I hadn't locked it because I knew I was only going to be a couple of minutes and I thought it would be OK.

“I was so upset. Because the bike was given to me by my son-in-law it has huge sentimental value. I would rather have lost my wallet than have lost that bike.

“If I could be reunited with it I would be a real happy camper, and I just want to appeal to anyone who knows where it is to get in touch.”

The mountain bike, which has a lot of black insulation tape on it to cover up garish stickers, was taken from outside the Conservative Club at 9.50am on Thursday .

Mr Goodwin is offering a reward of £120 and anyone who knows where the bike is, or has seen it discarded around the town, should call him on 01394 277650.

Anyone with information about the theft - who saw anyone tampering with the bike or riding off on it - should contact Felixstowe police on 01473 613500.