A disabled man from Letchworth is struggling to get around after his bike was stolen near a Letchworth bakery.

The Comet: CCTV footage released of a man police would like to speak to in connection with the theft in Letchworth. Picture: Garden City Bread CompanyCCTV footage released of a man police would like to speak to in connection with the theft in Letchworth. Picture: Garden City Bread Company (Image: Archant)

Richard Allman from Leys Avenue rode his bike to the Garden City Bread Company in Icknield Way on Friday last week to enquire about the price of cakes, leaving it outside against a wall.

On leaving the bakery he discovered that his black Carrera mountain bike had been stolen.

The 52-year-old told the Comet: “When I came out it was gone. I walked around the area for a little while to see if I could find it. I found the basket, but not the bike.

“I needed to get home to phone the police and report it because I use the bike as a mobility scooter due to health problems.”

Richard has lower back disc degeneration which affects three discs, a blocked artery in his right leg caused by peripheral arterial disease, and is currently being treated for varicose veins. He is awaiting a scan for a suspected torn ligament in his left foot.

He added: “I went to phone the police but it was taking too long and I thought there might still be a chance I could find it myself.

“I went back to town to see if I could see the bike but I had no luck. I phoned 101 and got through to the police at around 9pm, and I told them what had happened.

“The bakery ended up sending me the CCTV photographs and I circulated them to people I know on Facebook.

“I need the bike to get around and, even if I get it back, I have no way of getting it repaired or to get a new one because I have no income.

“There was a basket on there to help me carry my shopping and it has a back saddle. I used it as a mobility scooter because I can’t afford a mobility scooter. Now I’m just completely restricted.

“The bottom line is, whether it’s a bike or a car, it’s still someone’s property and it’s been stolen. Enough is enough now.”

A spokeswoman for Herts police confirmed they were investigating the incident, which took place at 11.55am on Friday, October 6.

Anyone who has any information should call 101 quoting crime reference G2-17-2324.