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25 mini motos stolen from charity-run project

Posted on 13/05/2009

police,constabulary,leicestershire police 25 mini motos stolen from charity-run project

Police are appealing for information after 25 mini motos were stolen from a charity in Leicester. 

Nacro, the crime reduction charity, launched the MiniMoto Academy in Braunstone in July 2008 to provide local youngsters with a safe and supervised place to ride mini motos and to learn mechanics, rather than riding them illegally on local roads and parks. It has now grown to become a city and county-wide resource and has benefited over a 100 young people since its launch. 

Some time between 4.30pm on Friday May 8 and 7.45am on Monday May 11, thieves forced open doors to the charity’s base in Slater Street. A total of 25 mini-motos and a small quantity of cash were stolen. 

Some of the mini motos had been donated to Nacro by Leicestershire Constabulary to assist the charity’s work in engaging with young people and reducing anti-social behaviour. 

Jo Adams, anti-social behaviour community development co-ordinator for Nacro, said: “We are all so upset about the break-in. The MiniMoto Academy has really grown in popularity over the past few months and is a great resource for so many local youngsters. It is hard to believe that someone would target a charity in this way.  

“Obviously we will need to find some way to replace the mini motos that have been stolen. However, in the meantime, I would like to reassure young people that the mini moto sessions will continue.” 

Inspector Ross Dimmock, commander of Hinckley Road local policing unit, said: “The Minimoto Academy is a charity-run project which provides positive activities for young people in Leicester to become involved in. It is very sad that it has been targeted by thieves.

“We are urgently appealing to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in Slater Street over the weekend, or who has any information about this crime, to please come forward.

“The number of mini-motos stolen would have presented some problems for the thieves in relation to transporting them and storing them following the break-in.  Has someone who lives in your street recently acquired a number of mini-motos? Have you been offered a mini-moto for sale at a cheap price over the last few days?

“If you have any information at all that could help officers track down those responsible them please call the police immediately or, if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Leicestershire Constabulary on 0116 222 2222 or Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

* Please note some mobile phone service providers may charge for this call.