A DISTINCTIVE racing bicycle stolen from a Bendigo home has been returned to its owner after being dumped near the victim’s house yesterday.
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A passerby saw a young woman leave the $9000 custom-built bicycle, wrapped in a white sheet, in the front yard of a house opposite Mark Lees’ Forest Street property just after 1.30pm yesterday.
The woman was then seen running away from the area.
A white utility vehicle with a hard top and red P plates was also seen driving around the neighbourhood at the time of the incident.
Owner Mark Lees was ecstatic the Swiss Erox Quarra Extra Speed triathlon bicycle was returned, after it was stolen from his garage on Thursday.
He said he thought an article published in the Bendigo Advertiser must have scared the thief into returning it.
“I am thrilled to have it back,” he said.
Mr Lees said he will be back shortly on the bicycle in training for his first half Iron Man challenge in Geelong in February.
“I’ll really appreciate riding it now,” he said.
Bendigo police’s Detective Senior Constable Len Ladner said police conducted forensic testing on the bicycle and are still keen to talk to anyone who may have information on the theft.
“We are grateful to get the bike back but we are still really keen to get any more information from the public about who might have taken the bike.
“If anyone saw who dropped the bike off or the white ute, they should contact Bendigo police.”