THIEVES have stolen two high-value electric bikes from the back of a vehicle as it was parked.

The incident occurred on Mastiles Lane, near Kilnsey, on Tuesday, October 13, at around 8.30pm.

North Yorkshire Police said the thieves caused damage to security on the rear of the parked vehicle and made off with the bikes.

A police spokesman said: "We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

"In particular, we are appealing for information from anyone locally who saw any vehicles or people in the area at that time or even in the days before this who appeared suspicious or out of place.

"PC Rich Sutcliffe who is investigating the theft, said: “I know that offenders arrived in a small van, unknown colour, with a noisy engine or exhaust. After the theft it left Mastiles Lane and headed north up the B6160 toward Kettlewell but after that there were no further sightings of it. Due to the location and circumstances of the theft I believe that this vehicle and offenders must have attended the area in days prior to the theft. I would ask anyone with any information or suspicions about any people or vehicles around this time to get in touch with me.”

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Richard Sutcliffe. You can also email richard.sutcliffe@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12200180151.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.