The Richmond Area Motorcycle Project (RAMP) has thanked the local community for its support following the theft of several motorcycles from its base at Risedale Youth Club.
An appeal has been launched to keep the project going following the burglary.
It happened between 2pm on Saturday, December 6 and 5am on Monday, December 8, with the bikes taken during a break-in at the building.
North Yorkshire Police say the incident is one of several recent commercial burglaries in the Catterick and Colburn areas.
RAMP, which began in 2005, teaches young people road safety, motorcycle skills and basic vehicle maintenance. Volunteers say the theft is a major setback for the long-running scheme, which has helped hundreds of local teenagers over the past 20 years.
In a statement, the group said it was “truly grateful” for the messages, shares and offers of help received since news of the theft was made public.
One volunteer, Lindsay Miller, has launched an online fundraising page to help replace the stolen bikes.
The aim is to raise at least £2,600, with a replacement bike costing £2,500.
She said: “We cannot continue the project if we don’t have any motorcycles, and even if our bikes are recovered, they will need to be mechanically checked and serviced, and probably repaired.
“If found, it is possible that the police will keep the bikes for evidence for up to a year as well.
“This is a plea to anyone in the local area who would like to support us to keep running this incredibly worthwhile project.”
The RAMP team said in a statement: “We would be absolutely devastated if we cannot continue to provide the course and make an impact in young people’s lives,” the team said.
“Being so close to Christmas, we understand funds might be tight, but we would be incredibly thankful for any support.
“At the very least, please share the post to help get the word out.”
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Officers are asking residents to check any CCTV or doorbell cameras, and to review dash-cam footage if a vehicle was parked nearby at the time. They are also keen to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything unusual in the area.
Information can be reported by calling 101, quoting reference 12250230692, or by emailing jon.hobson@northyorkshire.police.uk.
