Trail bike stolen in ram-raid

A Dunedin motorcycle dealership was the scene of a smash-and-grab heist at the weekend.

But the owner says the thieves have stolen a trail bike which will never start.

Jason Veitch, who runs family business McIver and Veitch with his brother, said a red van smashed through the sliding doors of the Crawford St store about 11.20pm on Sunday, damaging several motorcycles in the process.

The burglars removed two trail bikes from the dealership, leaving one on the forecourt but managing to bundle a brand new KTM 350 EXC-F into the van, and escaping before police arrived.

The van was discovered that night parked just up the hill at the Unity Park lookout near Eglinton Rd, but the $16,500 motorcycle was nowhere to be found.

Mr Veitch said the motorcycle could not be started in its current state.

"They can't use it, because from the battery it's in locked mode.''

Senior Sergeant Craig Dinnissen, of Dunedin, said those responsible for the ram-raid remained at large and the case was being handled by the Criminal Investigation Branch.