Bike theft upset

A FATHER from Exmouth is devastated at the prospect of not being able to see his son because thieves stole his motorbike.

Tyrone Sweeney, of Cranford Avenue, had a Pioneer Pulse Adrenaline 125 taken overnight between Tuesday, November 10, and Wednesday, November, 11. The black bike was parked in Jarvis Close car park in Littleham.

The distraught 35-year-old, who lives alone, said it was his main mode of transport.

Because his son, eight, lives with his ex-partner in Honiton, he fears that he won't be able to see him as regularly.

Since the bike was stolen, Tyrone said police had found the number plate in Douglas Avenue and the lettering had been tampered with.

He believes the fact the plate has been found, the bike, worth between �900 and �1,500, could still be in the Exmouth area.

He said: "I have only had it for 18 months. It was in a brand new condition, which is probably why it was taken. Somebody obviously took a shine to it.

"Like me, my son is gutted that it has gone. I would use it to go over and see him and for work reasons.

"I had planned on travelling over on it for Christmas Day to surprise him, but that's going to be harder now.

"This is the first mode of transport I have ever had. I have never had a desire to drive a car, but sometimes I wish I had one because they are obviously harder to steal."

Tyrone, who said he wasn't covered in his insurance for the theft, said: "I took a loan out for the bike and haven't paid it off yet. This is the worst thing.

"I'm going to be paying for something I no longer have. The bike was significant to me for a number of reasons.

"I was feeling really down after splitting up with my partner and it has since helped lift my spirits because of the sense of independence it gave."

PC Sallyanne Southern of Exmouth police urged people to be on the lookout for the motorcycle which has a registration WA57GGU. Anyone with any information is asked to call 08452 777444. quoting crime reference number KE/09/3344.