Cycling club upset after gear worth £14k taken

People who use a cycling club had been "upset" and "outraged" that more than £14,000 worth of equipment was taken after a break-in.

Wolverhampton Wheelers, which is run by volunteers, said it thought 10 bicycles had been stolen at Aldersley stadium between Saturday night and Sunday morning.

The club, founded in 1891, said specialist track bikes had been among items taken from a storage unit and the theft would impact its ability to deliver sessions.

Chair Jodie Parker said it "had to tell people not to come on Monday night, because there was no bike for them".

The Wheelers have 14 volunteer coaches and runs sessions four times a week, with money coming from more than 130 members.

Bikes are usually funded through members' payments or are donated.

Three of the stolen items had been specialist track bikes without brakes and gears, used twice a week in sessions on the outdoor velodrome, Parker said.

The organisation was working with City of Wolverhampton Council and other clubs had reached out "to see how they can" assist in the short term.

"We're hopeful we can resume business as usual, thanks to the help from clubs who've helped us to date.

"There's a strong cycling network locally, but throughout the country clubs help each other in times of need... with offers of loans of bikes."

Parker said if equipment was not available, it put the ability of members to progress "in jeopardy".

"The club community are upset and a little bit outraged, because they give opportunities for children and [adults] to come together, be healthy and develop a passion."

West Midlands Police said it was investigating after "sports equipment was taken during a burglary at Aldersley Stadium overnight on Saturday".

The force said anyone with information could get in touch.

Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.