The folks who run Bath’s Odd Down bike circuit are appealing for help after thieves stole 25 bikes and other equipment worth an estimated £25,000 from the facility on Wednesday night.

The bikes are Cannondales and Konas and a mixture of drop-bar road bike and flat-bar bikes with slicks. The bikes are mostly used by local youngsters using the closed circuit to build their cycling skills and get a first taste of racing.

A spokesman said: “By any normal standards, the bikes and equipment are protected by robust security measures.

"The gang who stole the bikes and equipment were clearly well organised because they required an oxyacetylene tank and lots of cutting equipment to break into the metal containers.

"The people who committed this planned attack should hang their heads in shame.

"This is an excellent, well supported community facility and the people who lose out are local taxpayers.

"We urge anyone with information about this theft to contact the police to help bring these people to justice.”

Anyone in the Bath or Bristol areas who has information about these bikes is urged to contact Avon and Somerset Police or Crimestoppers.

All stolen bikes have Go by Bike stickers attached to the top tube and police security stickers. Most bikes have bike stands and computers also attached. The majority of bikes are newly sourced Konas and Cannondales from Cadence bike shop in Bath.

3 x Jake 24, youth road bike, blue

2 x Kona Shred 24, youth mtb, white

2 x Kona Kula 24, youth mtb, black

2 x Paddy wagon single speed bikes, chrome, size 49 and 52

1 x Kona Shred 26, adult mtb, blue

5 x Cannondale Synapse ladies road bikes, white and purple, size 2 x 44, 3 x 48

3 x Cannondale CAAD8 road bikes, white, sizes 51, 54, 56

3 x Cannondale Quick hybrid bikes, white and grey, sizes T, P and S

1 x Schwinn crusier bike, black with smoothie maker blender attachment

1 x Haro BMX, black

1 x Mission Tri Speed youth trike, red (Avon Valley Cyclery, Bath)

1 x AVE ladies electric bike, black (Take Charge bike shop, Bath)

Other stolen items include 4 helmets with Go by Bike stickers attached, two boxes of Knog light sets and youth waterproof clothing.