Falmouth shop owners feel "violated" after a burglar in a balaclava spent hours clearing out their shelves yesterday morning (Monday October 21).

CCTV footage shows the man, around 5'10" and of average build, stealing items from Falmouth Cycles on Tregoniggie Industrial Estate between 2.30am and 5.30am.

One of the shop's owners Maria Masi said: "Luckily because the main showroom was okay it hasn't had a huge impact.

"It's just more about being violated - someone coming in and taking what they want. He took the equivalent of five or six decent bikes.

"It's just having to watch the footage over and over again, he's just walking around helping himself, it's really horrible.

"We have worked really hard to have that stock there. We got to the point where we own the stock and to have someone go in and help themselves is a horrible feeling."

The burglar made off with bike parts and clothing including a carbon Transition frame, Marzocchi suspension forks, cycling computers and all of the shop's clothing including Altura jackets and O'Neill and Scott clothes. 

He also stole Falmouth Cycles branded club kit including glasses and bibs.

Although the culprit was caught on CCTV his face was hidden behind a balaclava and his vehicle was not captured on camera.

He was wearing trainers, gloves and shorts over leggings. Maria said he seemed to be "fairly fit" as he was moving around well.

Police were called as soon as the burglary was discovered and officers attended the scene.

After news of the burglary spread on social media, Maria says the response from the community has been encouraging.

She said: "I would like to say how lucky we were to have so many people giving us messages of support and being fantastic.

"Other bike shops contacted us and said 'is there anything we can do?'

"It's nice to know people are out there and give a damn."

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: "Police are investigating a burglary at Falmouth Cycles in the early hours of Monday [October 21].

"An offender forced entry to the unit on the Tregoniggie Estate in Falmouth sometime between 4am and 5.30am.

"They stole valuable carbon cycle frames, cycling accessories and clothing.

"Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area at the time of the offence to contact them via 101@dc.police.uk or by phone on 101, quoting crime reference CR/095109/19."