Armchair detectives rally for Les

Les Lewis, bewildered and devastated over the theft that was quickly thwarted.

In less than 48 hours, a blatant, audacious motorcycle theft has reached a pleasing outcome.

Les and Trish Lewis, of Les’s Mobile Repairs, a business that has been a fixture in Hay for decades, experienced a theft. A motorcycle brought in to be serviced vanished in broad daylight.

Luckily, customer of Les and Trish, Jason Gee directed the couple to neighbouring businessman Jack Morrison, who has in place surveillance cameras that monitor the entirety of the lane. He was more than happy to lend a hand.

Upon viewing the footage, it was noted that a ute had driven through the lane five times between the hours of 8am and 10am. Les had biked past the ute, thinking it was a tradesman ute performing repairs on a neighbour’s property.

At 10am, the ute returned, parking in front of a next-door neighbour’s house. Less than a minute after Les rode past, the thieves had their tailgate down, and had stowed the bike in the back of the ute, laying it down. The Lewis family had many reports of sightings of the motorbike after becoming aware of the theft.

Jennie, their daughter had posted it on social media, and it was memorable to many, due to the fact that transporting it laying down is not good for the motorbike. Reports were received that the ute was heading east, and thanks to adept armchair detective work from loyal customers, and people in the area who were aware of the situation, the bike was found. Police in Leeton had been watching suspects in the Leeton area after a spate of motorcycle thefts.

“We are obviously very pleased with the outcome,” Les said. “I found it amazing that the people of Hay came on board, and the Leeton Police were very helpful, and resolved the situation quickly.

“Thanks to all Hay people who were quick to help, provide information, and show their concern.”

While a suspect is in custody, the bike has been found, but investigations and potential proceedings are still ongoing.

It is always lovely to see small town values come to the surface when trouble arises, and people quickly jumping up to lend a hand wherever they can.