A heartbroken biker was today offering a reward for the return of his prized off-road bike stolen from a garage in Swan Close in Laindon on Sunday night.

The Honda 125cc motorbike was taken by thieves who smashed the underside of the garage door and cut five padlocks before making off.

The bike was one of two owned by Steven and Mark Borg, collectively worth £2,000. They were gearing up to ride them in motocross competitions.

Mark's Kawasaki bike was left behind with all but one of its five protective padlocks cut, while Steven's was hauled under the garage door and ridden away.

Nikki Flack, the owner of the garage from which the bike was stolen, said: "Mark was really annoyed and upset and we're offering a £200 reward to try and get the bike back.

"We found out about it when my neighbour came over and told us. He'd seen the garage door open on his way out.

"Whoever took it must have been there for some time because they had to break in to the garage and cut the locks."

PC Dominic Davis of Laindon Police said: "The garage is particularly well secured and they must have taken some time getting in and getting out. It's one of those crimes where somebody must have seen or heard something."

Anyone with any information should contact PC Davis on 01268 410101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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