Numerous bike thefts in Castlebar

A SPATE of bike thefts has been reported in Castlebar in recent weeks and months.

Gardaí believe that bikes in the county town are being targeted at the moment either by a gang or an individual.

One of the latest 'snatches' occurred at Ellison Street at around 4.15 p.m on Thursday last (October 18).

The bike, stolen by a male, is dark green with black mudguards.

Further bike thefts reported to gardaí include a black and orange mountain bike from outside the GMIT. It was locked at the time.

A black Raleigh brand bicycle has been taken from the rear of a house at Curragh, Castlebar.

An increase in the theft of bicycles was first noticed locally in early autumn.

Sometime between September 28 and October 1, a mountain bike, coloured black and white, was taken from the Lough Lannagh area.

And on October 15, a black/green Carrera mountain bike disappeared from Cavendish Lane.

The owner had been gone for only a few minutes and returned to find his transport, which had been locked, had vanished.

Superintendent Joe McKenna says there is a noticeable trend in the ongoing spate of bike thefts.

He has appealed for caution on the part of bike owners and vigilance on the part of the public.

“Someone is definitely targeting parked bikes,” the superintendent said, adding that immediacy is important in reporting the theft of bicycles.