A BOLTON newspaper boy has had four bikes stolen in the space of four years.

Daniel Hodge, aged 14, of Boundary Drive, Bradley Fold, was hit by crooks while attending a weekly drama session at Farnworth Little Theatre.

In this latest theft the bike - a BMX - was stolen from inside the theatre, off King Street.

The theft happened on Sunday and has been reported to the police.

But Daniel's mother, Kathryn, said: "Each time Daniel has had a bike stolen he has had no luck in getting it back.

"It is very upsetting and with the number he has had taken I feel almost driven to despair.

"Daniel needs a bike for his paper rounds and also to get to school. The other three bikes taken have been mountain bikes, and after the last one was stolen, we decided it might be better to get a BMX, thinking it might not be as attractive to thieves. "Now, I think we will get an older bike. I do not know what else to do.

"It just shows that you can not trust people at all."

The BMX is a 'Mongoose Menace' and is mainly chrome, with a black seat and handlebars. Its frame number is HBEB 004414.

Anyone able to help should contact Bolton Police on 0161 872 5050.

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