A £3,000 reward has been offered to track down thieves who raided a business and stole nearly £20,000 worth of goods — including four valuable motocross bikes.

Burglars targeted Harrison’s Hydraulics on the Waterloo Industrial Estate, Darbishire Street, Bolton, after forcing open a rear security gate between February 8 and 10.

Owner Nigel Harrison, aged 52, is now offering the reward for information given to the police that leads to the conviction of the people responsible.

Two of the bikes stolen were new and were due to be used by Mr Harrison’s sons Mark, aged 17, and Lee, aged 20, in a regional motocross championships next month.

The bikes include a KTM 150sx and a Kawasaki 250f, both 2014 models. A Gas Gas 290 trials bike and a CH racing 50cc road bike were also stolen.

Mr Harrison, who has had the business for about three years, said: “The value of these items comes to more than £16,000. It may have been a nice job for whoever did it, but as the motocross season starts next month my sons have got nothing to ride and are very upset.”

He added: “This is going to set us back severely. You try to get on in the world and someone does this to you.

“Lee opened up the business last Monday and was beside himself when he realised what had happened. He was screaming in the yard and people were coming outside.

“My sons are mortified about the bikes being taken. They don’t drink or go out partying. They both keep fit and compete.

“Whoever did it left the back door open and the lights on and I think other people have had a wander in.”

While inside, the thieves ransacked the firm taking other equipment including expensive jet-power washers, a generator, laptop, boots and a helmet.

A distinctive carbon electric guitar amplifier head with a JVM logo and a Yamaha guitar were also stolen.

Mr Harrison is appealing to any motorbike stores that can help out his sons with bikes so they can compete in the competitions to get in touch.

Det Insp Charlotte Cadden, from Bolton North Neighbourhood Policing Team, asked for people who know where the stolen items are, and have information about the break-in, to come forward. They can call police on 0161 856 5761 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.