The Thornton man awoke on Monday morning to discover his custom-built road bicycle had been stolen from his shed.

The cycling enthusiast, who stands more than two metres tall, had the bike specially made in 1974 and the hand-crafted bike was his only mode of transport.

Mr Rademaker rode the bike to work from Thornton to Morpeth every day and said cycling was his passion.

“It’s my thing in life, [riding my bike] is part of me and now it feels like part of me is gone,” he said.“I still do a little bit of work at Morpeth and would ride it the 20 minutes there, sometimes from Maitland to Newcastle as well.

“My eyes are not very good these days, I haven’t driven for six years, it’s my only mode of transport.”

Mr Rademaker, who has lived in the area for more than 35 years, said he was shocked when he discovered both his and his wife’s bikes had been stolen from their Purdom Close residence. 

“You can’t believe it; I never expected someone would pinch my bike,” he said.

“For starters, no one could ride it, not many six foot eight blokes go riding a bike.

“It’s a work of art that frame, so beautifully built, lasted all these years.”

Central Hunter crime manager Detective Inspector John Zdrilic said officers were investigating the thefts and warned residents to ensure they secured their belongings.

“There are people out there patrolling the street looking to commit offences and they will always go for easy targets,” he said.

“It’s the same with theft from motor vehicles, if these people go to two houses and find a gate or shed unlocked and one is locked, they will always pick the unlocked one.

“Our advice is always to ensure you avoid making yourself a target, lock doors, cars, sheds and gates.”

Anyone with information about the bicycles can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Maitland police on 4934 0200.