BIKER Susan Chester found out just how fast her machine could move - when it was stolen less than a minute after she parked it.

Susan, who lives in Wyke Regis, Weymouth, rode to Middlesbrough, only to see her bike stolen seconds after getting off the saddle.

Mrs Chester, 43, who works at the New Look distribution centre in Weymouth, was astounded to see young thieves make off with her machine.

She said: "I turned my back and when I looked round again I saw three young lads pushing it away between them.

"I couldn't believe it, it was such a shock to see the bike I had got off just moments ago disappearing down the street."

Mrs Chester, who is originally from the south east, had made the journey to visit family living in the area.

Her bike was stolen in the St Hilda's area of the city, renowned for the number of vehicle thefts committed there.

Mrs Chester said: "It caused me so much hassle. I was only up there for a few days, but all my time was taken up sorting out what to do about my bike."

Mrs Chester's troubles didn't end when her second-hand Honda was eventually found.

She said: "I got a phone call from Cleveland police to say it had been found, albeit wrecked, and was at the official police compound.

"I went to collect it but was told I would have to pay £105 to get my bike back - it only cost me £80 in the first place."

Despite complaining, Mrs Chester returned with the money, only to be told her bike would then have to be kept at the compound so fingerprints could be taken.

Mrs Chester, who is taking her full bike licence test next August said: "There was no way I could afford to leave my bike in storage at the compound for that amount of time.

"I had to be back at work the next day, and it would have cost me £12 a day for the police to keep it."

But police eventually released her bike and it was taken to the nearest garage for essential repairs to make it safe to ride.

Mrs Chester said: "I only really got the bike so I could go to work on it and because I thought it would be fun to ride down into Weymouth occasionally."