Police have stepped up to support a Nottingham charity after it was targeted by thieves.
Ridewise, which promotes the use of various forms of green transport, recently suffered a break-in during which bikes and maintenance equipment were stolen.
It’s workshop in Lenton Abbey Park – where staff and volunteers lovingly restore and repurpose second-hand bicycles – was also vandalised in the attack in August.
Nottinghamshire Police, which has supported the charity in the past, has responded by donating four bikes from its stores.
The cycles, which have previously been stolen or abandoned, will now be restored before being offered for use by key-workers.
Ridewise chief executive Helen Hemstock said: “The workshop really is at the heart of everything we do so it was a terrible blow when it was targeted in such a senseless way.
“Bikes were deliberately broken and valuable equipment that we could ill-afford to lose was stolen. It was an upsetting time for every one but I have to say that the response of the community has been fantastic.
“Lots of people dropped in with donations or simply to offer their support. Nottinghamshire Police have been great supporters of ours in the past and I am delighted that they have been able to help us out again.
“I would also urge any other members of the public with unwanted or unused bikes to contact us as we would love to come and collect them from you and put them to good use”
Nottinghamshire Police donated another five bikes to the charity in July last year and have also raised thousands of pounds to support it’s work in the past.
Inspector Paul Ferguson, who leads the local policing team, said: “This was a horrible crime perpetrated by mindless thugs against a local charity.
“Sadly we haven’t yet been able to track down the person or people responsible, but that doesn’t mean we can’t help out our friends at Ridewise in other ways.
“As a police force we regularly take possession of bikes that have either been abandoned or seized as part of criminal investigations.
“I am delighted that we have been able to use a few of those likes to support a deserving local cause and I am sure there will also be more to follow in the future.
“I enjoyed the opportunity to meet with Helen and the team and discuss their great work in the local community.”
Founded in 2001, Ridewise works to promote every kind of green transport – from walking to electric vehicles. The charity also provides a range of training courses to people of all ages, and also provides guided rides and walks for people wishing to explore the great outdoors.
If you have a bike you wish to donate please visit www.ridewise.org.uk/ways-to-help