Two Canterbury youngsters had their weekend ruined as their motorbikes were stolen from a locked trailer at the Cromwell motocross track on Saturday night (May 20).

The family had travelled to take part in the King of Central MX 2023 event, which involved 170 riders in age groups from five to veteran (over 35 years).

Central Otago Motorcycle club (COMC) secretary Shelley Cornish said the owners (aged 11 and nine) were “absolutely distraught” and in tears to see their bikes had disappeared.

Shelley said after setting up the event on Saturday there were 15 trailers left on site overnight.

“There was a mass line of trailers along the fence facing Cromwell. They were all covered trailers and locked…they smashed off the lock, took two of three bikes from inside.

“They cut the motocross fence to get through to where the trailers were.”

The two bikes were a KTM 65 race bike and a thumpster. 

The second missing motorcycle

Despite other motocross families trying to lend the youngsters other bikes to race on, “there were lots of tears” and they both withdrew from their events.

“They didn’t get to race, there is nothing like your own bike,” Shelley said.

COMC club has contacted Police and has appealed to the public for help via social media.

Shelley said it was distressing that the thieves fuelled up the bikes from the trailer before the theft.

Luckily the victims had insurance and they were hopeful the loss would be covered, Shelley said. 

“We’re waiting to hear more… since we shared it it has gone viral…and hopefully [whoever took the bikes] won’t get away with this.”

If you have any information contact the police 105.