BURGLARS lifted the roof of a shed so they could steal bikes, prompting a councillor to issue a fresh warning over East Swindon thefts.

Two bicycles, together worth around £1,900, were stolen from a garden shed in Nythe at some point on Saturday night or Sunday morning.

Burglars appear to have prised open the roof of the shed in Ashmore Close, near Dorcan Way, and made off with the two bikes.

The bicycles are racing-style bikes, with drop handlebars

It follows a spate of thefts from cars, anti-social behaviour and drugs fears around Eldene, Liden and Nythe that has prompted police to step up patrols in the area.

Councillor Kevin Parry, borough councillor for Dorcan and Covingham, called the theft “shocking”.

“I haven’t come across anything like that before,” he said.

“Obviously, it’s quite shocking and frustrating as well. The thieves have gone to great lengths to get those bikes.

“I want to raise awareness so people make sure they secure their sheds going forward.”

Wiltshire Police said that they were appealing for witnesses to the thefts

A spokesman said that police were not aware of a spate of thef where sheds had been broken into through the roof.

He urged people to make sure their sheds were securely fixed against intruders.

The appeal mirrors one made four years ago when Wiltshire Police called on homeowners to secure their sheds and garages following a jump in the number of burglaries.

They advised people to avoid leaving their shed or garage unlocked, install bolt locks to the bottom of exterior doors, fit a security light that is activated automatically when someone approaches the building, make sure valuable items are photographed and security marked, and avoid leaving tools or other tempting items in view of shed windows.

Residents across East Swindon have complained of a growing problem with thefts, anti-social behaviour and drugs crime over the last 18 months.

On Wednesday, residents will meet at Eldene Community Centre to discuss what has been labelled a “crime wave” within the Eldene and Liden area.

The meeting, which has been organised by Eldene resident Martin Costello, will hear from South Swindon police inspector Dave Hobman and Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson.

The meeting is on Wednesday, September 27, at 7pm.

If anyone has any information about the theft of the bikes, they should call Wiltshire Police on 101 or anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.