A ‘ONE-OF-A-KIND’ custom made bike was stolen by burglars who forced their way into a family’s garage.

Ross Hollands, 38, of Thorney Bay Road, Canvey, had only been able to ride the unique titanium bike, worth £3,000, twice.

He had picked it up from Michael Travers, of Rochford-based Travers Bikes, just three weeks before the break-in.

Thieves also stole his wife’s road bike, worth £1,500, and the wheel from his daughter’s bicycle.

Wife Kelly Hollands, 41, said: “My husband’s bike was really special to him, he loves cycling.

“He belongs to a cycling club and goes out a few times a week and races with them and goes on cycling holidays.

“It’s more than a hobby, it’s a passion so he’s absolutely gutted.

“The bike was custom made, is titanium and is completely one-of-a-kind.

“Everything about it was special, it’s very unique, it’s not the kind of bike you’d have if you weren’t really into cycling.

“We think someone must have seen him on it as we have had bikes in our garage for about 15 years but we have only had this expensive one for three weeks and we have been broken into.”

The couple, who are parents to Amy, nine, and Neve, 12, said the break-in has shaken them up as it took place while they were sleeping between 11pm on Saturday and 7am on Sunday.

Mrs Hollands, a make-up artist, said: “They had actually crowbarred their way into the garage and cut through the thick bike chains to steal them.

“It makes me feel quite sick to think someone is on your property while you are sleeping just a few feet away.

“I’m really hoping they will be found in the same condition or thrown back over the garden fence.

“They are insured so we will get the money back but we looked after them so carefully and its horrible that people just come in and take something.

“It doesn’t mean anything to them but it means so much to us.”

The family are offering a £100 reward for the safe return of the bikes.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police were called to reports of a burglary in Canvey Island that took place at some point between Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6.

“Someone climbed over fence into the garden of a property in Thorney Bay Road and gained access to a garage.

“Two bikes were taken, including a Travers road bike.”

Anyone with information can email enquiries@kellyhollands.co.uk or call police on 101.