[visordown.com] - Bogus buyer steals three bikes in three weeks – on the same street

[Ninjette Newsbot]

Kelleher's RM250


AN audacious thief is said to have stolen at least three motorcycles by luring sellers to the same street and asking for a test ride.

The bogus buyer replies to ads and asks sellers to deliver their bike to the street in Norwich. When they arrive, he takes the machine for a test ride and does not return.

The latest victim says a resident came out to warn him at least three motorcycles had been stolen in the same way in as many weeks – but only once the thief had ridden away.

Matthew Kelleher, 38, believed he had found a genuine buyer after advertising on Gumtree. He hired a van to deliver his Suzuki RM250 to the ‘buyer’ on Repton Grove in Clayhall at 7.30pm on October 2.

Kelleher, from Norwich, said it “seemed normal” when the man asked for a test ride but he “didn’t come back”.

He said that, as he waited, a resident came out to tell him the bike would not be returning.

Kelleher said: “The neighbour has seen bike after bike turning up - three in the last three weeks.

“He said last time the man stole a bike from a man from Ipswich who had a seven-month pregnant girlfriend and was selling for the baby’s needs.

“Another man was from Doncaster.”

Kelleher then called the police.

He added: “Maybe it wouldn’t have gone so easy if I hadn’t let him get on [the bike].

“What would have happened if I’d refused?”

Kelleher, who says he sells motorcycles for profit, had advertised the motocrosser for £1,800.

“It was heart-breaking because I’d put so much work into the bike,” he said.

“I have never, as a 38-year-old man, felt so ashamed and embarrassed to have been conned.”

The thief is described as in his early 40s with black hair and around 5ft 11in tall. He was wearing jeans and a light blue top.

No arrests have been made. Call Redbridge Police on 101 with information.



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