Thieves followed cyclists home to steal costly bikes

Christchurch police believe they have cracked a ring of thieves that targeted cycling events to track down bikes worth thousands of dollars.

It is understood the culprits went to downhill or free-ride events in the Port Hills, noting the most expensive bikes and then following the owners home.

Later they would return to the properties and burgle them.

Biking enthusiast Graeme Adriaens, 18, had his bike, which was uninsured and worth $3000, stolen from his parents' Cashmere garage in May and believes the thieves followed him home. "That and my bike helmet were the only items taken from the garage."

He would often cycle around Victoria Park and Bowenvale Ave, Cashmere.

"Quite a lot of people who go cycling around there have had their bikes stolen," he said.

John Bull Cycles technician Kris Olsen said bikes costing as much as $8000 for the frame alone were being targeted at sports events in the Port Hills, after which cyclists congregate in Bowenvale Ave.

"What we believe was happening was that somebody was following bikers home, noting down the address and stealing stuff later," he said.

Downhill bikes were targeted because they were "extremely expensive", easy to break down and there was a big market for parts.

Mr Olsen said the thieves were said to be breaking up bikes and disguising them before selling them.

Police said three people had been arrested in connection with the thefts and they had recovered 12 bikes, along with "boxes and boxes" of parts, from Burnside.

- NZPA