A FAMILY’S Christmas dreams have been destroyed after a crook stole a motorbike they hoped to sell to raise cash to buy presents.

Jason Linnen, 27, and Jemma Lee, 23, don’t knowhow theywill be able to afford gifts for their three children this year after a thief broke into their garage to steal the off-road Yamaha YZ 85.

Mr Linnen had bought the bike to modify and sell on and, after finding a buyer, he was due to hand it over for £800 on Saturday. It would mean the couple had enough profit to fund a dream Christmas for their children Bobby, six, Frankie, three and Tyler, ten months.

But a thief broke into their garden in Second Avenue, Canvey, got into the garage and stole the blue and white bike.

Mr Linnen said: “I’m gutted. We have three kids and it’s a bad time of year for something like this to happen.

“We were burgled three or four years ago, which made us more aware of security. But no one knew I had this bike. I didn’t advertise my address anywhere.

“This will make things really hard. We just want to do the best for the children.”

Bobby had asked for a BMX or tablet, while Frankie was hoping Santa would bring a doll’s house.

The family believe the raider was stealing to order as nothing else from the garage was taken.

They also believe they had been watching the house for when the family had gone to sleep.

Ms Lee added: “I can’t sleep properly at the moment, it’s horrible.

Every little noise I hear I sit up in bed and go to look out of my window. It’s no way to live your life.

“The money was meant to pay for Christmas for the kids. Now we will have to try and scrape something together, but we won’t be able to afford the presents this year.

“They will be very upset.”

The couple went to bed at 1am and they received a call from Mr Linnen’s brother who saw their open garage at 4am after a night out.

Police are investigating the incident, which took place between 1am and 4pm on Saturday, November 29.