Langley BMX has been devastated by a break-in to their storage containers Wednesday morning, when thieves made off with more than a dozen race bikes, helmets and other equipment that is loaned out to kids who can't afford their own gear.
Bonnie McLean, who is on the board of the non-profit Langley BMX, has been driving around Langley trying to locate the stolen bikes, helmets and tent canopies, all taken around 4 a.m. on Oct. 19.
"We have industrial type locks, the bikes are stored in shipping containers and there is a fence and gate around that, plus we have surveillance footage of the whole thing,” she said. "The thieves used some kind of welding equipment to open the locks. Sparks can be seen flying onto the guy's shirt."
The storage containers are located at the BMX track in Brookswood, north of George Preston Centre.
A Langley BMX member was awake when the break-in took place and called police. When officers arrived, they found a man and woman nearby on 42 Avenue in a vehicle with stolen plates.
The vehicle had break-in instruments inside as well as high visibility vests.
"The officers were satisfied that these two were the suspects involved in the BMX theft and they were arrested," said Langley RCMP Cpl. Holly Largy.
The man arrested in a 40-year-old known to police with the last known address being in Aldergrove. The female arrested is a 38-year-old also of Aldergrove.
She had a warrant out for her arrest and he was breaching his curfew. Charges of break and enter are pending approval, said police.
"These bikes are the ones that are loaned out to kids who are just trying the sport out for the first time or for those who cannot afford to buy a bike. We want to make sure everyone has a chance to try this sport, even if it's not in a family's budget," said McLean.
Everyone at Langley BMX is asking for the public to keep an eye out for the bikes and other items.
"We spend a lot of time fundraising and donating our own funds to get all that equipment," she said.
"Langley BMX is one huge family and we'll work together to get us up and running for our spring season."
The charity is already planning a pub night fundraiser to replace the loaner bikes they don’t expect to get back. Anyone who wants to donate a used bike or funds to replace them can contact Langley BMX, she said. For more information go to langleybmx.ca
"It's just so sad that this happened. It's kids they are stealing from."
Already, two bikes have been recovered near George Preston Recreation Centre. The barbecue that was stolen was found under some bushes at the nearby cemetery, she said.
Some stolen bikes have an "L" before the race number stating it's a loaner bike. Some have distinctive pedals, seats and colours.
If you find any of these items, like the BMX helmets or tents, which were brand new and still in their package, or have information about these thefts or the suspects involved, call Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200.
Below are two more race bikes stolen from Langley BMX.
