MURRIETA – Thieves broke into the BTO Sports – KTM motocross team’s transporter Jan. 11 stealing more than half the team’s inventory. The stolen items ranged from factory parts for the team’s race equipment, team-staff radio headsets, and many of the team riders’ personal items.
Deputy Mike Vasquez, press information officer for the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, confirmed the burglary was reported yesterday morning to the Southwest Sheriff’s Station which handles all calls for service in the unincorporated area where the incident occurred.
According to Vasquez, the burglary occurred in the 38300 block of Innovation Court and was reported to the department at about 8:30 a.m. Monday morning.
While Vasquez could not confirm the value of the stolen property, the team says the items missing are worth approximately $200,000.
According to a team official, some of the personal items that were stolen are irreplaceable, but the vast majority of the stolen items are “extremely identifiable, one-off, racing team items that would be easy to spot and recognize.”
Team equipment stolen during the overnight burglary include factory KTM motocross racing parts that are not available for purchase by the general public including BTO Sports black Excel A60 motorcycle rims with orange and carbon fiber wrapped Talon hubs, 2016 Team BTO Sports graphics kits – specifically shroud kits that carry the logos for BTO, KTM, FMF, RTech and FX that are the only printed versions of this in existence and custom FMF TI exhausts, with carbon fiber canister tips and orange KTM graphics and much more.
Team officials have stated there were many additional parts and items stolen and is asking for everyone in the industry to be aware of the missing items and to report anything they see or feel is suspicious. According to Doc Weedon of BTO Sports, a $2,500 cash reward is being offered for any information leading to the return of the equipment.
Team BTO Sports is a family-owned business and 2016 will mark the 11th season of the group’s partnership with KTM. Both companies are asking for the entire industry to be vigilant via the Internet, social media and any avenues they may have to catch the thieves.
This is an active and ongoing investigation, anyone with information about the incident or the location of the stolen property should contact the sheriff’s department at (951) 696-3000. Callers can remain anonymous.
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