Owner of unique bicycles worth half a million baht ready to forgive thieves, issues appeal on the Internet

Bicycle theft seems too trivial for police to investigate but a recent case in Bangkok prompted Wang Thonglang police to pursue thieves who stole four bikes worth more than Bt500,000.

The bicycles were designed by world-class designer Alex Moulton and are the only four of their type in Thailand. Owner Cholchai Thessiri wants them back so desperately that he says he forgives the thieves and promises to buy them a meal if they return the bikes. Case investigator Major Niwat Phueng-uthaisri says the thieves can do nothing with the bikes but hide them.

"They cannot ride them in the street or even sell them. The bicycles are so unique that they attract attention," he adds.

The bikes were stolen on April 27 from Cholchai's Pracha Tham shop. The thieves broke a glass door and rode them away. Footprints were left on the shop floor.

A lover of exclusive bicycles, Cholchai says he kept them in the window so that people could see them. He believes the thieves are unaware of their value and rarity.

"They were maybe teenagers who were startled by the bikes' look and wanted to joyride," he adds.

He believes the thieves are not bicycle collectors and did not steal them at the request of collectors.

"Please take good care of them while they are in your possession, and follow what the manual says about maintenance," he says.

He asked the thieves to call him any time on 0891 806 888 to arrange their return.