Reward offered for stolen bike taken in Colchester

Rowena Macaulay has offered a £100 reward to anyone who can bring the bike back to her in one piece after it was taken from Maidenburgh Street, Colchester.

Essex Police has since launched an investigation into where the bike could be after it was stolen between 10pm on September 17 and 8am the following day.

The bike is a distinctive bright yellow and holds sentimental value to its owner, who has since appealed for its return.

It was kept in a locked communal garden which requires a code to get into, raising the police’s suspicions about it being known to the thief.

Adventure - Rowena's partner Jerry Jackson riding the bike (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Macaulay said she was away for the weekend when her friend who was housesitting discovered the bike was no longer there.

The Colchester resident had borrowed it from a friend so her partner could tag alongside her during rides.

Ms Macaulay said she was “gutted” when she heard the affectionately named Yellow Peril was missing.

“I felt really guilty, it was on a long loan to me so I felt particularly bad,” she revealed.

“I know it had a lot of value to my friend. She’s got a lot of bikes but this was her oldest one, she had sprayed it yellow herself.

“We have had a load of adventures on it.”

Handy - the bike had previously been used to carry wood to a houseboat (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Macaulay explained she had previously enjoyed riding alongside her partner for more than 20 miles from Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to Ware, in Hertfordshire.

Her friend, who owned the yellow bike, had also used it in the past to carry wood to a houseboat she was living on.

“I think the police’s response has been remarkable. I know it’s a very old bike but we love it,” she added.

Essex Police has now appealed to residents who may know of the bike’s whereabouts to get in touch.

A spokesman said: “If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

“Please quote the crime reference number 42/239753/22.”