The owners of a small Mandurah business have been left "heartbroken" after their bike store was broken into over the weekend.
A total of 14 "high-end bicycles" were allegedly stolen from Giant Mandurah just after 10pm on April 5, including two road bikes and seven dual suspension mountain bikes.
Giant Mandurah manager Elyse Lambert, whose parents own the Rutland Drive store, told the Mandurah Mail it was "gut wrenching".
"It makes me sick," she said.
"Given the circumstances in the world at the moment, it's terrible. It's heart breaking.
"You put your blood, sweat and tears into the business and then this is just a blow, that's for sure."
You put your blood, sweat and tears into the business and then this is just a blow, that's for sure.
- Giant Mandurah manager Elyse Lambert
Ms Lambert said the offenders broke in and stole the bikes "within a few minutes".
"They were in and out pretty quick so they obviously knew what they were doing," she said.
"The police have the footage and have some leads so hopefully we will be able to get the bikes back soon.
"We would definitely stress to other business owners to take precautions no matter what business they are in - revisit your security measures because these might be tough times but this will happen again unfortunately."
Read more:
Giant Mandurah took to social media on Sunday night, shortly after the local store was targeted, to express their disappointment.
"Being a small family business this is a tough blow," the post read.
In the hours following the post, Ms Lambert said her family had been inundated with messages of support from the Mandurah community.
She confessed it made her feel "a bit emotional".
"We consider ourselves lucky that we are still able to be open because a lot of other businesses have had to close completely," she said.
"We've also had a lot of support from the local Mandurah community and we thank them for all their kind words.
"In times of tragedy... it has been amazing to receive everyone's support and kind words.
"I think this whole coronavirus has given everyone a reality check, brought everyone closer together and given us a better sense of community."
[These incidents] are disappointing at anytime but especially at this point in time when small businesses are doing it tough.
- Mandurah Police officer in charge Senior Sergeant Rob Lewis
Mandurah Police officer in charge, Senior Sergeant Rob Lewis, confirmed Mandurah Detectives were working on the case.
"[These incidents] are disappointing at anytime but especially at this point in time when small businesses are doing it tough," he said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au.
