SIXTEEN off-road motorbikes worth a total of £36,000 were stolen from a Newport showroom in what police think was an organised raid.

A gang broke into the South Wales Superbikes showroom in Estuary Road at about 6.25am on Sunday and took the entire collection of off-road bikes.

Managing director Ian Jenkins said the raiders disabled his hi-tech alarm system before breaking in.

They were caught on CCTV using cutting equipment to break through the outer doors before forcing their way through the inner doors. They then pushed the 16 bikes out and into the back of a white van.

Mr Jenkins said the bikes stolen from the stock of 200 were a mixture of new and used motocross competition bikes, mostly Suzukis. The total cost of the lost stock was £36,000, with the most expensive bike worth £3,500.

He thinks the bikes were targeted because they do not require keys as they have no ignition and can be kick-started. He said: "These people were organised and they knew what they were doing. I am insured so as long as I get reimbursed it's business as usual." Mr Jenkins has handed the CCTV footage over to Maindee police.

Sergeant Ian Roberts, of Maindee police, said there was an element of organisation.Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01633 838111.