BIKE thieves blasted as “inconsiderate lowlifes” are running rampant in Colchester, after the prized possessions of at least three cyclists were stolen in as many days.

Rhyce Pope, 21, was working at Everlast Gym, in Clarendon Way, on Thursday, only to find his black Cannondale had vanished after his shift.

The £2,500 bike, which was given to him by his dad, was snatched at some point between 5.30pm and 10.30pm, despite being securely locked up.

The distinctive-looking two-wheeler was Rhyce’s main mode of transportation to and from work, so he will now instead have to use a bus.

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He said: “I'd had the bike about six months as it was a hand-me-down from my dad, but I only used it a couple of times until recently when I started using it for work.

“I honestly just felt shocked and frustrated that someone would go through so much effort to get the lock off in such a busy area.

“I'll now be using the bus, but I have to leave an hour and a half before my shift starts whereas on the bike it took me less than half an hour.

“The people who did this are just inconsiderate lowlifes who don't seem to understand how they affect people's lives by taking what is not theirs.”

Two days after Rhyce was targeted, nine-year-old Jamie was left heartbroken after his bright red Carrera with illuminous yellow stickers was also stolen.

It was pinched at about 2.20pm on Saturday from Goring Road after the youngster, who has Perthes disease in his left hip, went inside to get a drink.

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Mum Lisa Barkham said: “He was devastated because it is how he is able to keep up with his friends out playing.

“Bikes get taken all the time, I know, but that is not the point. A full grown adult has taken a child’s bike two weeks before Christmas.

“The man who took the bike was in his late 20s and too big for the bike and can hardly ride it.

“I will not tell you what I truly think or how I truly feel."

Michael Saunders’ son’s bike, which he rides to work every day from Greenstead to Cowdray Avenue, was also snatched last week.

After initially returning to his bicycle to find its front wheel had been stolen, he walked home before heading back after finding a friend with a spare tyre.

On this occasion, however, despite being securely chained up, Mr Saunders’ son found no trace at all of his silver Banziai Concept.

“Bike thefts seem to be the norm these days, but I don’t get why manufactures cannot build trackers into the frames, like you get in cars and lorries,” added Mr Saunders.

Essex Police have been contacted for comment.