Determined thieves stole two bikes which were locked and bolted onto a car roof rack while the owners were visiting the seaside.

The bikes belonged to a couple from Medway who were away for the weekend in Deal.

The bikes were locked into the roof cycle carrier and the couple’s car was parked outside a pub in The Street, Deal.

Police are appealing for information about the thefts, which a happened between 6.30pm on Saturday, August 24 and 9.30pm the next day.

It is believed the thieves went to great lengths to steal the bikes, firstly attempting to saw the roof bars from the vehicles before forcibly removing the bikes from the carriers.

The couple had been visiting Deal for the bank holiday weekend.

One of the bikes was a white Scott Foil racing bike with an extra-large frame and a saddle bag on the cross bar, valued at about £2,000.

The other bike was a medium frame Scott Speedster with a pink gel saddle and saddle bag, this bike is valued at about £450.

As well as stealing the bikes, the thieves also caused £150 worth of damage to the couple’s vehicle.

One of the victims who didn't want to be named, said: ‘It was very upsetting and we were both very shocked. It totally ruined our weekend.”

• If you can help police with their investigation, call 01227 868131 (answer phone outside office hours) or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111 quoting reference ZY/25111/13.