A 12-YEAR-old mountain bike enthusiast from Welland is devastated after his beloved cycle was stolen from the family home.

The heavily-customised Kona Caldera, belonging to Alec Gillett, vanished from the garage at Orleton Close some time on Wednesday, March 26 .

Alec's mum Kerry Gillett said: "The bike is a 2004, maroon-coloured Kona Caldera which is quite rare now, as they don’t make that model any longer. It is quite valuable because it is in good condition and has also been extensively customised.

"My son is obviously upset by the loss, especially as it was handed down to him by his older brother."

The customisation includes 203mm brake rotors mounted front and rear, EXR pro forks, large Maxxis High Roller tyres, Sun Singletrack wheels and Avid brakes.

"Alec is really keen on mountain biking and he goes out with his brother or his father to this place in the Forest of Dean, or he rides on the hills and commons here," she said.

"We were completely shocked when we came home and it was gone. We live in a quiet close, so I can only think that it was someone who has been watching our movements and knew when I would have been out at work."

The bicycle was stolen between 9.20am and 3,.20pm, and anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident number 0616s/260314.