A head teacher has made an emotional appeal for information after thieves stole three training bikes from a special needs school.
Six lightweight bicycles from manufacturer Islabikes were bought for Westfield School in Fraserburgh last year at a cost of £400 each.
But less than 12 months later, three have been stolen, which staff believe will hamper the development of children with a variety of complex additional support needs.
Last night, head teacher Kerri Dalton said: “These bikes were purchased to help support the development of our pupils and I am very saddened that three of them have now been stolen.
“Learning to ride a bike gives the pupil a huge confidence boost and our pupils are very disappointed that there are now fewer bikes as it means they cannot be ridden as much as previously.”
She explained that spending time on the special bikes can make a real difference to pupils classroom learning.
“It is very important that we build confidence in the young people who attend Westfield School.
“By improving their ability to steer and control a bike, pupils also develop their coordination, balance and motor skills which in turn can help with classroom-based activities.”
She added: “Someone out there knows where these bikes are and I urge anyone with information to come forward.”
Two brown-gold colour bicycles were stolen in October and the third – a blue bike – on Boxing Day. The thefts were reported to police immediately.
Sergeant Graeme Cupples said: “We have received reports of three thefts of pupils’ bikes from Westfield School in Fraserburgh in the period between October 2014 and December 2014 and we are continuing with our enquiries to find those responsible.”
Sgt Cupples has urged anyone with information about the thefts to come forward.
In the summer, Westfield School offered its pupils a training course to encourage them to learn how to ride a bike.
Following the classes, three pupils can now ride independently, while others are continuing to improve their skills.