A COUPLE visiting the New Forest were targeted by bike thieves on the first day of their holiday - despite leaving their vehicle in a busy car park.

Ivanoy de Brito, 36, and his partner Beatta, 35, returned to their Renault Kadjar to discover two mountain bikes worth £3,000 had been stolen.

The couple spent the next two days scouring the area in the hope of spotting them and warning fellow tourists to beware of thieves.

They called Hampshire Constabulary were furious when they received a letter later in the week saying police would not be taking any further action.

Last night a police spokesman said officers had pursued all viable lines of enquiry but added: "The incident remains under investigation."

Mr de Brito said the theft occurred in Lyndhurst after parked their vehicle in the village centre car park.

He added: "When we go on holiday we always take our two mountain bikes - we love a good day out on the bikes and they mean everything to us.

"When we parked it was still broad daylight - families were walking around and I noticed that CCTV cameras were in operation.

"Since our mountain bikes were locked and secure I thought it would be OK to grab a bite to eat. When we got back to the car at around 8.20pm I was shocked and angry to see the bikes had disappeared.

"We spent the night driving around villages in a desperate attempt to find them.

"Over the next two days we checked car boot sales and local shops - anywhere they could end up before being sold to someone else.

"On our last day we packed up and travelled home to Norfolk with a feeling we'd never go back because it's not safe.

"To complete my nightmare I received a letter saying Hampshire Constabulary wouldn't be taking the investigation any further, due to lack of resources."

A police spokesperson added: "Two high value bicycles were stolen from the back of a red Renault Kadjar parked close to New Forest Heritage Centre.

"Our officers have conducted all viable lines of enquiry and the incident remains under investigation at this time.

"We are very keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed this incident or perhaps saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the time."

The theft occurred on August 23. Anyone with information can call police on 101, quoting crime reference number 44210336925.