AN Orford woman is appealing for the return of a bike stolen from her partner who is mentally ill.

The 24-year-old man, who does not wish to be named, uses the bike to exercise as a way of dealing with bipolar disorder.

The green Saracen Arachnid mountain bike was stolen from the family’s home on Poplars Avenue on Wednesday, February 6 between 8 and 9pm.

It had been left unsecured in the garden while they visited a relative.

His girlfriend, aged 25, said: “He has really struggled for six years.

“Our GP recommended the bike to get him out of the house.

“When he felt like he could go out and ride it, he did.

“Now someone has come and taken it, he feels like he can’t go out any more.

“I’m really upset that there are people in this day and age that will just come in and take it.”

The family’s pet guinea pig Billy, and rabbit Coco, also escaped during the burglary.

Sgt Paul Flynn, of Warrington Central NPU, said: “Patrols have been stepped up in the area.

“We ask the community to make sure they have security locks on their sheds and be vigilant so we can deter thefts from sheds within the area.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101.