RETIRED Richard Mallinson has hit out at thieves who have stolen his moped.

Sixty-four-year-old Mr Mallinson's red FS1 Yamaha bike was taken from his front garden outside his Lennox Street home in Weymouth between 10pm on Monday and 6.20am yesterday.

Mr Mallinson, who is a widower and has two sons Jasper, 32, and Christopher, 28, said he has had his moped for 12 years and, apart from a bicycle, it is the only method of transport he has for getting around Weymouth.

He said: "I am extremely annoyed about the theft.

"They took both my moped, which has the registration number F159 YFX and they also took my bicycle.

"But we managed to find the bicycle yesterday morning because the thieves had dumped it nearby.

"I really hope we will be able to recover it as I have no other mode of transport.

"I could use the bicycle but I feel it is too dangerous to ride it through Weymouth during this busy time of year.

"I feel safer on my moped."

Mr Mallinson, who is a former police officer and civil servant, added that police told him the vehicle had probably been stolen by joyriders. He said: "I may have had the bike for 12 years but it is in good condition and is worth around £350 and is extremely useful to me.

"I have had bicycles stolen before but this is the first time my moped has been taken in the 20 years I have lived in Lennox Street.

Mr Mallinson, whose son Christopher lives with him, added: "I know moped thefts are fairly common at the moment but I am still hopeful I will be able to find the bike undamaged.

"If I don't get the bike back I am not sure what I am going to do about transport but I may have to buy a new one, which will cost quite a bit of money."

A police spokesman said they were investigating the theft and if anyone knows where the moped is or if they saw anything suspicious they should contact police on (01305) 767474.