Thieves steal £19k of bikes from Teignmouth triathlon champion

A triathlon champion has lost £19,000 of specialist bikes and equipment after thieves targeted his home in Teignmouth.

Police are appealing for information on the incident, which took place overnight on Friday 15 December through to Saturday 16 December 2023 at an address on Yannon Drive.

Donald Brooks, 46, began competing in the triathlon after a successful career representing the country in underwater hockey.

“I did my first triathlon up in Tiverton in the Exe Valley in 2014,” said Donald, “I think I did quite well and I never looked back, I’d got the bug.”

10 years later, Donald’s trophy cabinet is filling up, winning eight world championships, eight European Championships and 14 British Championships.

Donald added: “It’s a real passion for me. Alongside my job and my family, I’m seriously involved.”

Donald was coming down on Saturday morning to train when he found the bikes gone.

“My heart just dropped,” he said.

“I could see the garage door open, lights off and the dust sheet sprawled across the drive which had been covering the bikes. It was gutting.

“I'm pretty sure it was a targeted attack, as they came straight into the garage, they knew what they were after.”

The thieves attempted to take Donald’s only remaining bike but left it dropped on the floor at the door, cracking the frame in the process.

One of the bikes stolen was just two and a half weeks old.

The Specialised bikes, which are estimated to be worth around £19,000, are specific in their detail.

A police spokesperson released further details: “The first bike is a Specialized Tarmac SL7 S-Works in dusty blue with silver decals with frame serial number WSBC004421040S.

“The second bike is a Specialised white Tarmac SL7 Comp with frame serial number 90622-5156. The bikes both have Garmin Vector 3 pedals which are also serialised; 38A137728.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via their website or by calling 101 quoting 50230326003.