Durban – Thieves stole at least 15 top-of-the-range bicycles from a Briardene cycle shop early this morning after having forced open a steel roller shutter door, which they then closed to carry out their burglary out of the public eye.
However, on leaving with their loot they ran into a security company patrol that had been alerted by the alarm.
According to Marshall Security armed reaction officers responded an alarm activation at Republic Sport and Adventure shortly after midnight.
On arrival, the security company said the suspects were fleeing the area and a foot chase ensued. One suspect was arrested.
“They knew what they were going for,” said shop owner Cindy Botha, adding that they had left cheaper bicycles behind and focused on those that retail for R80 000. They also took R1 000 from her till and “a couple” of customers’ bikes that were in the shop for maintenance.
She said the intruders had smashed the thick glass on entering her shop, triggering an alarm that was thought to have been a false alarm.
It went off again as they tried to leave, she said.
Marshall Security spokesman Kyle van Reenen said two of the high-end bicycles were recovered during an extensive search of the surrounding area.
Botha said the burglary was the first such incident in 10 years of having the shop.
“Bikes are going for the prices of cars these days. They obviously know the resale value,” said Botha who said she has heard of stolen bicycles being exported.
This month a R130 000 bicycle was stolen from outside a beachfront coffee shop and a cyclist was robbed of one worth R90 000 in Durban North, according to reports.