The Gazette, 30 November.By Paul Dunlop
DESPAIR turned to joy for Pakenham man Leigh Eckersall when his stolen motorbike was found on Christmas Eve.
As previously reported in the Gazette, the 21yearold was devastated by the November theft of his bike, a Yamaha YZ250 WR Enduro.
It had been stolen from the garage of his family’s Meeking Drive home.
Thieves used bolt cutters to cut through heavy duty chains and a padlock to steal the blue bike which Mr Eckersall had owned for just over 12 months.
A chainsaw and other items were also stolen from the property, but Mr Eskersall’s mum Trish Oliver said it was the loss of the bike that hurt most.
The family had offered a reward for information leading to the recovery of the stolen bike.
Mrs Oliver was thrilled to be able to report to the Gazette last week that her son’s pride and joy had been found.
“Leigh was notified (by police) on Christmas Eve that they had recovered several motorbikes and other stolen property from a Cockatoo address and he identified his bike at the Pakenham Police station,” she said.
“It was by far the best Christmas present he could get!”
Mrs Oliver said the bike had been “well thrashed” and several modifications had been made, presumably to hinder identification.
