YOUNGSTERS have been left in tears after thieves snatched their prized mountain bike Christmas presents.

And police have warned that thieves are cashing in on a post-Christmas bike bonanza.

Lance Aldred, 10, of Rothbury Court, Morris Green, had his 21-speed British Eagle Orion stolen, just a week after he had unwrapped it.

And it is the second time in just two years that the boy has had a bike stolen. The first one - bought for his eighth birthday - disappeared without trace.

His angry mum Valda, 27, who paid £125 for the bike stormed: "He was absolutely hysterical when he realised what had happened.

"We spent the weekend driving round the streets seeing if it was there but we didn't have any luck."

Lance's bike disappeared from the back yard of a friend's house, where he was playing on Saturday afternoon.

The other boy to suffer is Kieran Williams, who had left his Falcon Excess bike against the front of his home in Hibernia Street, Deane, for only 15 minutes when it was stolen.

His mum Selda, 24, - a single parent on income support - said: "How could anyone take a child's bike - especially his brand-new Christmas present? He has been crying all night.

Kieran's black bike, which cost £150, was stolen at around 7.30pm on Monday.

Anyone who finds it should ring 01204 652701.

Police have warned people to guard their bikes.

Sgt Bill Crittenden of the crime management unit said: "People should get their bikes marked with their post code, make a note of all identifying numbers and take a photo of it.

"Heavy duty chains with substantial padlocks should be used to secure bikes. If they are stored in a shed they should be attached to the floor or the main frame. One of the best places to keep a bike is in the hallway."

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