Wiltshire motocross rider appeals for help after his racing bike is stolen

James Dunn, the 24 year old professional motocross racer who lives near Cricklade is appealing for help to recover his stolen racing bike.

His #200 Husky bike worth £5,500 was taken by thieves from his home between 6pm and 8pm on Friday November 8 and it’s not been seen since. 

“It’s horrible to think someone has come to my family’s home, broken into our garage and gone through our personal possessions. We know roughly when it happened and, at the time, both my mum and my sister were at home. Thank goodness they didn’t come into contact with the thieves,” James said. 

James is a well known face on the motocross circuit and is currently competing in the ACU British Motocross Championship after taking the sport up professionally from the age of 18. He’d been riding his own motorbike from the age of four, competing from the age of six. 

“Racing has been my whole life. My dad rode motocross and my grandads loved the sport and it’s always been there. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do and it’s been quite a journey.”

The theft is another blow for the racer who suffered a concussion injury early on in the season when he’d been hoping for a top ten finish. In 2020, he’ll be working hard to get back to full fitness. 

James’ bike was supplied by his local sponsor Michael Austen of Big Van World, also based in Cricklade. Michael is an avid motocross fan and his company also sponsors the World Kawasaki MX GP team including 2019 World Female Champion Courtney Duncan and 2019 British Champion Tommy Searle.

Michael said: “It’s devastating for James to lose his bike in this way due to the criminal actions of someone else. We are liaising with the police to see if there’s any hope of getting the bike back. If anyone has any information please get in touch with Wiltshire Police. The bike is distinctive and has Big Van World written all over it. Please be vigilant so our local boy can get back on track.”

James said: “I’m so grateful to Michael for his support in my career and his support though this period of time. Our sport needs sponsors who are passionate about it and who want to engage with the events and with the riders. I’m very grateful to him for providing my bike and my van.”  

Anyone with information about the stolen racing bike should contact Wiltshire Police on 101 (only call 999 if it is an emergency). 

For further information visit www.bigvanworld.co.uk