A DISTINCTIVE bike used to promote a well-established Hull market has been stolen – despite having no chain or brakes. The lilac bike can be seen dotted around the city whenever Made And Sold In Hull holds one of its popular markets.
The bike was stolen over the weekend down Newland Avenue, which has saddened Lucy Lines and Leni Brattan, the owners of Made And Sold In Hull.
Ms Lines said: "We have two bikes that we use as a way of promoting our markets.
"We put these bikes in the vicinity of the market to advertise the event and let people know when and where it is.
"The one that was stolen is the better-looking one. It is a very pretty girly-looking bike, which appeals to our customers.
"It doesn't even work as a bike as there is no chain or any brakes."
Ms Lines does not believe the bike has been taken due to drunken antics or by an opportunistic thief.
She said: "There were two bike locks on it, which they would have had to cut through, so I can't think someone who was drunk could have managed it.
"We know plenty of drunk people have sat on the bike and had photos taken, but we don't mind that.
"We also don't think it couldn't have been taken on a whim.
"Someone stole it out of badness. It is useless as a bike."
Made And Sold In Hull has been going for about two years and the bikes have been used to promote the markets for the past year.
Ms Lines said: "The bike is used in the week leading up to our markets that promote small businesses from Hull and give them an opportunity to sell face to face to the public.
"The market has been going for 18 months now and has much support from the local community, as well as people travelling in from Withernsea to shop.
"It a sad day for Made And Sold after such a successful market on Saturday, which was also Small Business Saturday UK.
"It is such a shame and we are really sad about it. We are gutted to be honest."
But Ms Lines still harbours hope she will get the bike back.
She said: "The police have been informed and they are looking through the CCTV footage in the area at that time.
"We have also had lots of people sharing our appeal on Facebook and Twitter, so, hopefully, something will come of all that.
Anyone who has information should email madeandsoldinhull@gmail.com and call Humberside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
