Bikeline owner praises police, community for swift arrests

Up to six thieves have allegedly broken into a CBD store and stolen 25 bikes in a brazen raid the business owner says has been caught on nearby CCTV cameras.

Bikeline owner Marcel Govers was frustrated after thieves allegedly stole 25 bicycles from his Station Street store. Picture: Bev Lacey

Bike shop owner Marcel Govers is grateful some of his prized stock has started rolling back in after thieves allegedly raided his business two nights in a row.

Mr Govers said about six people allegedly broke through a wall into his Bikeline store in Railway Street on Saturday night and loaded 25 mountain and hybrid push bikes into cars before fleeing.

He believes the suspects came through a room at the rear of a cafe next to Bikeline that is being renovated as he expands his showroom.

Mr Govers said another break in attempt happened on Sunday night, with entry forced through a temporary wall between the two stores.

He said a showroom alarm was activated and the intruders left empty-handed.

The brazen burglary was caught on several CCTV cameras.

Police have already made some arrests.

Thieves allegedly forced their way through a wall in their second attempt to steal bikes from Bikeline.

Police have so far recovered 15 bikes, some of which were returned undamaged.

“The police response was really fast,” Mr Govers said.

“The same night that I reported I collected five bikes and they told me they found another 11 bikes.

“Some of them were literally still in their boxes.”

The arrests came after police viewed CCTV footage and took information from the public.

“The neighbouring businesses were very cooperative straight away and gave us access to the CCTV footage,” Mr Govers said.

“We have cameras in our shop and we have very clear footage of people in our store.”

Police have arrested two men.

Victor Charles Montgomery, 45, appeared in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with entering a premises with intent and receiving tainted property.

He did not apply for bail and is due back before the court on Friday.

Investigations continue and anyone with information should phone Policelink on 131 444.