A Norfolk business owner is offering a £1,000 reward for information after thieves smashed their way into his showroom and stole two rare motorbikes.

Norwich Evening News: The stolen bikes, a two-stroke limited edition KTM 250 EXC TPI Six Days, and a four-stroke variant of the same model, are said to be extremely rare and easily identifiable. Photo: Luke PowellThe stolen bikes, a two-stroke limited edition KTM 250 EXC TPI Six Days, and a four-stroke variant of the same model, are said to be extremely rare and easily identifiable. Photo: Luke Powell (Image: Archant)

David Barkshire said the criminals used a sledgehammer to gain entry to his dealership on Wendover Road at Rackheath Industrial Estate on Monday night.

They smashed a window to a newly installed extension and knocked down a false wall before taking two specialised KTM off-road bikes, worth £8,250 each.

Police arrived and pursued the thieves from Green Lane East to Salhouse Road shortly before midnight.

The suspect vehicle, a white Ford Transit, overtook a member of the public on the mini-roundabout to the junction and managed to escape.

Norwich Evening News: The stolen motorbikes are recognisable by the Six Days logo. Photo: Luke PowellThe stolen motorbikes are recognisable by the Six Days logo. Photo: Luke Powell (Image: Archant)

Now, Mr Barkshire, who has run Dave Barkshire Motorcycles for 34 years, is offering a reward to any information that leads to a conviction.

'I want to know who it was because I think it is someone who has been in my shop,' he said. 'They must have known the layout of the building.

'What sticks in my throat is that they have probably come in and we have taken time out with them [as customers]. But rather than coming back and paying for the bikes, they have just nicked them.'

He said the bikes, a two-stroke limited edition KTM 250 EXC TPI Six Days, and a four-stroke variant of the same model, were extremely rare and easily identifiable.

Along with their theft, the criminals caused around £9,000 worth of damage to the shop. They also stole helmets and attempted to take a specific oil for the two-stroke bike.

It happened just days before Mr Barkshire was due to have new rolling shutters installed on the premises following a 'professional raid' in January this year.

He said that the bikes stolen in the latest incident were useless to the criminals.

'They are transport locked, and you can only unlock them by going onto a dealer net system and requesting the numbers from the factory,' he said. 'So the bikes are absolutely no use whatsoever.'

Norfolk Police said it was yet to make an arrest. Anyone with information should call 101.

The crime took place between 11.30pm and 11.45pm on Monday, August 14.