AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD boy has been left terrified and devastated after thieves broke into the garage at his home and stole his brand new BMX bike – a birthday present – while he slept. TJ, of Briardale in Stevenage, had only had the BMX a few days when it was

AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD boy has been left terrified and devastated after thieves broke into the garage at his home and stole his brand new BMX bike - a birthday present - while he slept.

TJ, of Briardale in Stevenage, had only had the BMX a few days when it was taken sometime between 7pm on Friday and 11.45am on Saturday last week. The thieves had managed to remove a padlock to gain access to the garage.

TJ had not even had a chance to ride his new BMX because he was waiting to have lights fitted to it. His mother, Tracey Best, said: "He's absolutely devastated, and we can't afford to buy him another one."

Also taken were two off-road motorbikes belonging to TJ, with the three bikes worth a total of �1,000.

Miss Best said: "He's been interested in bikes for years, and he's gutted."

She also said her son is terrified the thieves will come back. "He's not eating properly, and he's become ill through it," she said. "He won't sleep on his own. There was a big bang on Saturday night and he hid under the duvet."

Miss Best added: "He said 'I know you can't afford to buy me another BMX but when you can, can I have same one?' He wants to keep the next bike in his bedroom. It's a birthday he doesn't want to remember now."

A spokesman for Herts Police said: "I would appeal to anyone who believes they may have seen suspicious behaviour in the area around the times given to contact police as soon as possible on 0845 3300 222, quoting crime reference E1/09/8253.

"Also, if you have been offered these bikes for sale please make contact with police at the earliest opportunity.

"This type of burglary has reduced by 19 per cent in Stevenage, and we work tirelessly to reduce this type of crime. We will fully investigate the incident, which has understandably caused the victim some distress.