THERE was disappointment and anger this week at Crediton Community Interest Company and non-profit organisation, The Turning Tides Project (TTTP), after the theft of its recently-acquired electric bike.

The Turning Tides Project offers one-to-one and shared support services, creative sessions, events catering and runs the tea rooms at Crediton Station Tea Rooms.

It believes that everyone has the right to equal access to music, the arts and life.

It intends to make this right a reality for people with 'learning disability' or 'autism' labels in Devon.

Using a social model approach, it is the focus of its work and makes a real difference in the Crediton area and across the county.

It is therefore upset that someone would steal from an organisation that does so much good in the community.

Dominic Palfreman, one of the directors with TTTP, took to social media about the theft and explained that the new bike was making a difference and helping it increase its access to the community.

He said he was “angry and disappointed” that someone had broken in and stolen the bike.

He added: “It was already making a real difference to us, opening opportunities for exercise and exploration, and bringing smiles to faces.

“This isn’t just the theft of a bike.

“It’s the loss of something that was going to be used to create opportunities, support independence and bring joy.

“The theft has been reported to the police, and we have extensive CCTV footage where the thieves are visible.”

He called for the return of the bike, for an apology and for those who stole it to volunteer to make amends.

If anyone has information about the theft or has been offered an electric bike in suspicious circumstances, please contact the police on 0800 405040, quoting our crime reference DCP-20261028-0213, or get in touch with TTTP via: [email protected]