'Devastating' blow as Leeds charity's bicycles for young people are stolen

Thieves broke into containers belonging to charity LS-TEN sometime over the weekend.

They took around 14 bikes and two big bags of tools used to maintain the equipment.

CEO Carl Harrison said: "At a time when we are under so much financial pressure and doing everything we can to ensure we will be able to reopen when all this is over it’s devastating to have thousands of pounds worth of equipment stolen.

"Those bikes are used to deliver sessions across Leeds to schools and community groups.

"We are really appreciative of the community support in getting the message out.

"If you have any information please email [email protected] or inform the police."

LS-TEN was set up by volunteers in January 2019 in response to the closure of the Works Skatepark Charity.

Their mission is to "provide a safe, engaging and inclusive environment, reduce inequality and raise aspirations using sport and education."

They operate a skate park in Hunslet, and deliver education and community programmes to a diverse group of people in Leeds.

West Yorkshire Police said the thefts occurred sometime between 5pm on Friday, May 8 and 9am on Monday, May 11, in Kitson Road.

Mr Harrison said police had been to their base to take shoe prints and examine CCTV footage, which shows two young men at the scene.

A West Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: "Anyone with information can call 101 or use the 101 online chat service, quoting crime reference 13200234607."

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