HIGH END bike thieves targeted a specialist store in Hay-On-Wye, making off with almost £50,000 in bikes and equipment on Wednesday night.

Luke Skinner, who owns, Drover Cycles on Forest Road, believes the burglary was a professional job.

The thieves waited for cleaners to leave before breaking in at around 11pm and stealing bikes as well as bike computers and action cameras worth up to £500 each.

He said: “We had a little bit of trouble with local youngsters, but we’ve had no problems since moving to our new premises.

“This was a much more professional job – we were targeted.

“They were caught on CCTV – they were in the area from around 9.30pm and came in after the cleaner left.”

The thieves made out with an “eclectic” mix of bikes – including some owned by customers – which varied in value.

However with a number of rare models amongst those stolen Mr Skinner is hoping they can be tracked down.

Four Pyga full-suspension mountain bikes were taken – a model of which there are only around 100 in circulation in the UK – as well as three distinctive electric Haibike, stolen without keys or chargers.

Detective John Davies from Dyfed-Powys police, also believes this was a deliberate and co-ordinated operation.

He said: “The removal and transportation of such a large amount of stock was probably pre-planned.

“It would take time and space to load and transport the items stolen.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward, either by contacting Brecon CID by calling 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Other bikes stolen include ten Saracen Mantra Pros, three Genesis High Latitudes, four Merida road bikes and Genesis Latitude with a unique paint job.

The total stock taken is valued at around £45,000.