Reward as thieves flaunt the goods

By Casey Neill
A COCKATOO man says brazen thieves are riding the motorbike they stole from his shed last month around the town.
Wayne Sullivan is offering a reward for the safe return of his Yamaha WR 400, which was stolen on 19 January.
“We heard noises coming from around the shed around 11.30pm,” he said.
“We turned on the lights and had a look around and saw nothing out of place.”
Mr Sullivan heard “a few loud bangs” about half an hour later.
“The thieves cut our fence and used bolt cutters and a pry bar to gain entry,” he said.
They stole the bike, a large Kincrome tool kit and other items.
“The motorbike had no rear wheel and would have taken a few people to remove, a lot of effort for an old clapped out motorbike,” he said.
The bike belonged to his uncle. “It wasn’t worth a lot of money,” he said. “The bike has sentimental value to me and my uncle and we would like to get it back.”
Mr Sullivan said he usually garaged the bike elsewhere and had only brought it to his Hazel Street home for repairs.
He said he has heard the bike being ridden in Cockatoo, and slammed the “brazen” thieves.
“I think it’s still around,” he said.
“It’s ridiculous these people think they can just have the run of the place.”
He is offering a $500 reward for its return.
“I urge the community to watch out for each other as most people think that the thieves are local and they need to know their behaviour won’t be tolerated,” he said.
Anyone with information on the bike’s location should call Emerald Police Station on 5968 4422.