Stolen Repsol Rossi rep

Have you seen this motorcycle? A REWARD has been offered for information about a stolen motorcycle which has been autographed by one of the world’s most famous riders.

Sarah Smout and Robert Mann have put up an undisclosed sum of money for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for stealing their £14,500 Honda Fireblade machine.

The motorcycle, which is a one-off and has featured in various magazines and shows, is even more valuable as it has been signed by seven-times MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi.

It was stolen from the couple’s garage at their home in Woodlands Road, Overseal, between midnight and 8am on Wednesday. They believe whoever is responsible knew what they were looking for – and must have been watching them.

Miss Smout said: “The last time we took it out was at the end of April to a show in Skegness.

“It’s kept in a locked garage. We have to go through our next door neighbour’s garden to get to the back of ours as we live in a mid-terraced house, so I don’t know how they would have done it. They must have been watching us and knew it was there.

“In 2006 we spent £11,500 on it and another £2,000 later. The exhaust alone is worth £1,100.

“I don’t think anyone could ride it round here, as it’s a show-stopper and people round here would recognise it. It’s probably going to be sold on nationally or internationally.”

The motorbike’s registration is DX54 EEP, and it has Repsol printed in black letters on the side on a white background. It is fluorescent red and orange and has a yellow number 46 on the front.

In a bid to recover it, Miss Smout has been delivering posters of the motorbike around South Derbyshire.

Anyone with information about the theft should telephone Swadlincote police 0n 0845 1233333, or Crimestoppers, which is free and confidential, on 0800 555111.

Alternatively, people can contact Miss Smout on 07855 366770.