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A motorcycle shop’s owners were left “devastated” after burglars ransacked their business.

Thieves broke in and stole two motorbikes from the Wheeliez store at Sefton Business Park in Aintree overnight on Friday (October 28).

They also took expensive top-of-the-range gear including helmets and jackets.

Wheeliez Ltd was opened by couple Dave Spabins and Barbara Swords, 56, from Ainsdale, in May 2015.

Barbara’s son Andy, 33, from Kirkby , said: “To see the devastation on their faces was heartbreaking. I’m devastated too.

“My parents are really quite down. They are really passionate about the business.

“There’s absolutely no point to some of the damage they’ve done, which makes it worse.”

Dave, a former a teacher, and Barbara, who used to be a psychiatric nurse, had set up Wheeliez as they wanted to work for themselves.

The owners were alerted to the break-in at 8am on Saturday.

Andy, who helps out at the shop, said they had not started to clear up as they could not notify their insurance company over the weekend.

He said it looked as if the burglars forced their way in through the unit door.

Andy said Merseyside Police had been down to the shop to start their investigation.

The thieves were unable to get away with any brand new motorcycles, but managed take two bikes belonging to customers which had been brought in for repair.

Helmets with the latest technology, leather jackets and motorbike parts were also stolen.

Things that could not be nicked were left damaged, including the Wheeliez van which had a headlight ripped out.

Andy said: “They’ve definitely picked out the top of the range stuff. It makes it harder to take.

“But the thing that makes me angry and frustrated is the damage.

“If they had just stolen stuff the shop could still be operating, but now we are going to have to close until it can be repaired.

“I think one of the worst thing for my stepdad was they tried to steal his things with his own toolbox.”

A Yamaha R6 and KTM 250 Motorbike were stolen, along with stock including motorbike helmets from the shop.



Damage was caused inside, and several vans outside were also damaged.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is still ongoing.



Neighbourhood Inspector Ian Jones said: “We are appealing to anyone who was in the area and may have seen anyone acting suspiciously, to come forward and report any information they might have to the police”.



Anyone who has any information is asked to call Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.