By Brendan Rees
An all-abilities tandem bike allegedly stolen from Casey Fields has been found by a Good Samaritan – and all thanks to the power of social media.
The $12000 recumbent bike, which is used by people with intellectual disabilities, went missing after callous thieves made their way into a shipping containing protected by a lockbox at Criterium Circuit on Sunday 18 August.
The bike is used by people every Wednesday through the All Abilities Cycling Program at the Criterium Circuit.
Among other items stolen were bike tools, shelving, electrical cords and leads, club records, spare parts, clothing and two second hand mountain bikes.
Program volunteer Bill Upston said he was disappointed that someone would “take it upon themselves” to “disrupt a program that has so much potential.”
He said the culprits “knew exactly what they wanted.”
Mr Upston said breaking the news to the program participants about the bike’s theft was “probably the hardest when I had to tell them.”
“Technically the Southern Masters Cycling Club owns all the gear but it really belongs to the people who come to our program. They were very upset,” he said.
But within four days of sharing a post on Facebook whereby Mr Upston pleaded for the public’s help, a Good Samaritan reached out to him saying he had found the bike dumped in bushes near the Clyde North shopping centre.
“It was an overwhelming experience to say we got it back. It’s so important to the program that we run,” Mr Upston said.
Detectives from Narre Warren police are investigating and hunting for the culprits.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
