A BUSINESMAN has been left devastated after burglars “cleaned out” his storage premises making off with tens of thousands of pounds worth of bicycles, motorcycles and equipment.

Ken Blacklock of North East Motor Cycles is offering a substantial reward for information leading to conviction of the culprits who raided his property in Ivanhoe Terrace, Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

The 80-year-old, who owns a motorcycle firm in Durham, said he had been heartbroken at the break in of the premises where he first began his business 54 years ago.

Mr Blacklock said: “I closed the shop in Chester-le-Street only three years ago and have been using it for storage since.

“I was absolutely gutted when I discovered it had been broken into and cleared out.

“They took more than 50 bicycles, including a Scott Mountain Bike worth £6,000.

“They also my specialist tools which I have built up over the years – and even the empty till was taken.

“Those responsible had to be professionals and there must have been four or five of them, because they would have to lift everything over an 8ft foot wall.”

He added: “It was where I started my business in April 1960 and I have a lot of fond memories of being there. I am devastated and don’t know if I’ll ever recover from this.”

Investigating officer DC Steve Gothard said the incident happened between evening of Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7. Initial estimates are that more £20,000 worth of goods were stolen.

DC Gothard said: “The owner was very upset. There was an awful lot of property, so it has to be on the black market somewhere.

“Somebody must know where all this stuff is being sold. You cannot get rid of that many bikes that easily.

“If they are being offered round pubs or clubs around doorways it may help us narrow down who is responsible for the crime and we would appeal for anyone with information to contact us.”

He added spare parts from classic vehicles and motorbikes may be passed off as scrap metal.

Among the items stolen were two Honda C90s, a Honda CB 250, Barossa and TGB scooters and a variety of Barracuda bicycles, including several BMXs and CS200s.

Also taken were five girl’s Bubble cycles, and three Freespirit Jupiter girl’s bikes, full-face helmets and leather gloves.

Anyone with information should contact Durham Police on 101.