James 'gutted' as thieves use blowtorch to steal precious bike

James Patterson's top-of-the range Giant Trance X4 bike was taken from the common stair outside his home after the thieves seared through an expensive padlock and chain.

The 41-year-old, of Alan Breck Gardens, Clermiston, had another bike stolen from outside a shop in November and said he was now 3000 out of pocket.

"I normally take it inside the house but I left it chained up to railings in the stairwell on Tuesday night," said Mr Patterson.

"The next morning about 7am I came out and it was away. The chain was left there and it looked like they had used an acetylene torch to burn through it.

"I'm a single parent and I use my bike to go everywhere, so I'm gutted - especially as I've only had it a fortnight.

"I know it's highly unlikely I will get it back but it is very distinctive because there are not many of that model around and it's pure white."

Mr Patterson, who is offering a reward for information, believes the bike would have been less vulnerable to theft if chained up in the main street rather than the seclusion of a common stair.

"At least on the street people can see if someone is trying to steal it whereas in a stairwell, unless there is some noise, no-one will see anything," he said.

Ian Maxwell of cycle campaign group Spokes said the incident was the latest in a spate of bike thefts.

"Cycling in Edinburgh is booming, the number of bicycles is definitely increasing and we are seeing some unfortunate side effects relating to the number of thefts. It is increasing and will probably rise further as bikes become more and more popular."

Mr Maxwell added: "If you live in a flat with a common stair, it's often quite difficult to find somewhere to park your bicycle.

"You may not be allowed to take it into the flat, or there may not be enough room, and we have recently produced a guide to cycle parking for people living in these circumstances."

A police spokeswoman said the theft was being investigated and appealed for witnesses.