Police uncover suspected stolen bikes in city squat

PCSOAndy Mcallister reunited Georgios Pichis with his bike (Photograph: Sussex Police)

Officers have launched Operation Ensnare to tackle the number of bike thefts in the city, and while investigating a report of a theft, found the haul of bikes and some wheels in a disused building in Preston Road.

The bikes have now been recovered and taken to Brighton police station.

Sergeant James Ward said: "We are making enquiries to try and trace the bike owners but if anyone who has had a bike stolen and thinks it may have been found in the squat from the photos, please get in touch with us."

Bikes found in the squat (Photograph: Sussex Police)

Meanwhile officers were able to reunite a victim with his bike which had been stolen from Paddock Field on the University of Sussex campus sometime between Thursday night (October 12) and Friday morning (October 13).

The Muddyfox mountain bike was found in Chailey Road by a resident on Friday afternoon and reported to police.

PCSO Andy Mcallister was able to return the bike to its owner Georgios Pichis who said: "I was amazed that the police found my bike. I use it everyday to get to university and to get around the city – It is so important for me to have my bike as I hate buses and could not pay for them every day. I am in the police’s debt and want to say a big thank you."

Police said if you have had a bike stolen recently in the area or have any information about the bikes, contact police online or ring 101 quoting Operation Ensnare.