PSNI investigation launched after thieves target home of World Superbike Champion

World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea has issued an appeal on social media in a bid to locate a number of motorcycles and garden tools stolen from a shed at his Dunadry home.
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The Ballyclare motorcyclist, who claimed his sixth World Superbike title in a row at Estoril in Portugal on October 17, uploaded photos of two stolen motorcycles in a bid to trace them.

Posting on social media this afternoon (Monday), the Kawasaki Racing Team rider said: “Last night thieves broke into my garden shed and stole my training bikes and kids bike along with garden equipment! Please help me to get these bikes back!”

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Police are appealing for information following the burglary from Mr Rea’s home in the Dunadry area.

Jonathan Rea.Jonathan Rea.
Jonathan Rea.

In a statement issued to the Times, Sergeant Gibson said: “Sometime between 6pm on Sunday, November 8 and 11am on Monday, November 9, it was reported that two Kawasaki motorcross bikes, one Yamaha motorcross bike, a generator, a chainsaw and a set of hedge clippers were taken from a shed in the area.

“Enquiries are continuing and police would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 573 09/11/20. You can call 101, or you can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/”

The incident has been condemned by local elected representatives.

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Speaking to this newspaper, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Cllr Jim Montgomery said: “Sadly this theft from Jonathan’s house is reflective of an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour in recent times.

Jonathan Rea has issued an appeal to trace the stolen items.Jonathan Rea has issued an appeal to trace the stolen items.
Jonathan Rea has issued an appeal to trace the stolen items.

“I encourage anyone who has information which can lead to these criminals being caught to pass the information to PSNI so we can combat the crime in the borough.”

Commenting on Facebook, South Antrim DUP MP Paul Girvan branded the incident “disgraceful” and urged anyone with information to contact police on 101.

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