Thieves steal bikes used in Grinch window display

5 days ago

Caroline GallWest Midlands

News image — The thieves smashed a large window to get to the bikes

MG Accident Repair Centre The aftermath of the theft is show in an image on the left and one of the Grinches sat on a scrambler on the right of the image. On the left a large window has been broken with glass scattered inside and outside the showroom and the display of snow, presents and a tree ruined by the the bike being stolen. The image on the right shows a green Grinch dressed as Santa on a red scrambler in between some Christmas trees. — The thieves smashed a large window to get to the bikes

A family-run garage has said it is devastated after thieves smashed their way into the showroom and stole motorbikes used in a Grinch-themed Christmas window display.

MG Accident Repair Centre near Wolverhampton, which has put on large festive displays for six years, says it is now unsure about continuing with the tradition.

Thieves drove up to the showroom in Four Ashes on Saturday evening, broke the window and made off with two red Honda scrambler bikes and a child's Mini Moto bike, owner Grace Hughes said.

A reward of up to £1,000 linked to the conviction of those responsible has been offered by the business, and Staffordshire Police has appealed for information over the theft.

"We do the display for the community really as it's just something nice to see as you drive past but now, I don't know if we'll continue, as is it worth the risk? [It's] such a shame," Hughes said.

Watch: Thieves steal bikes used in Grinch window display

The display included two Grinches, each sat on a scrambler bike amid a snowy scene including presents, a sleigh and a red car.

Hughes said masked offenders targeted the business at 19:50 GMT on Saturday, using a Renault van, that had no number plate, to snatch the bikes.

She added the family were alerted by their alarm company and Staffordshire Police attended the scene.

The window has since been boarded up.

MG Accident Repair Centre The festive window scene shows two Grinches on red motorbikes either side of a sleigh with fake snow on the ground and presents near to it. The end of a red car can be seen on the right. — The business had put on window display for the last six year, Hughes said

The family said they hoped the reward for the arrest and conviction of the offenders would lead to them finding out who was responsible.

"It's just devastating," said Hughes, whose family has done similar displays at summer charity events.

"It's frustrating. Disappointing. And taking it away for everyone, the locals who would drive by and see it.

"Everyone loved [the display] - we're on an industrial estate and it was just something to see as you drive by, but now we have to fork out to replace everything."

In a statement, Staffordshire Police said officers were called to reports of a burglary involving high-value bikes at Enterprise Drive in Four Ashes on Saturday evening.

Two suspects, both wearing gloves, were believed to be involved.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the force while investigations continued.