Brand new bikes bought by brothers after years of saving were stolen during a church service – just three days after their birthday gift arrived.
Callum, 10, and nine-year-old Rhys Betley, were left shocked after their new wheels were pinched in broad daylight outside Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre on Lake Street on Sunday between 12.15pm and 1.15pm.
Mum-of-four and step-mum-to-three, Louise Betley, of Vimy Road, Leighton, says she is hopeful the bikes will be returned as the family cannot afford to replace them.
Louise said: “They are really mixed up and don’t understand why someone would take them.
“They had bought it for themselves after saving up for years and now they won’t have a birthday present.
“They’re shocked. We now have two very upset boys.”
Louise’s partner, Justin Halfall, also had his bike stolen after the family had locked five bikes outside the library while they went to church.
Louise added: “I have still got blind faith that they will come back because we are a Christian family and I can’t let myself believe that someone won’t return them. I just want my boys’ bikes back.”
Beds Police say investigations are ongoing. If anyone has any information, contact the police 101 number.
> Thanks to the story featured in Tuesday’s LBO, a generous reader has offered to donate her bike to the family.
