Brazen $4000 bike theft from Margaret River store

Store co-owner Robert Astromsky‎ said the thief, aged between 30 – 40 years with a shaved head and wearing a blue singlet, stole the bike and was last seen heading towards Wallcliffe Road.

The matte black Merida eBig Tour 9 XT bicycle is a pedal assist electric bike bearing a lime green logo on the frame, which still had the price tag and serial number attached to the handlebars by a white cable tie when it was taken.

“The key, charger and electronic display unit are still in my possession, which renders the electric assist part of the bike inoperable,” explained Mr Astromsky.

Mr Astromsky is the co-owner of the store along with two other partners and has been trading at the Station Road location for 10 years.

“Like most small business owners, I occasionally have to deal with theft or senseless vandalism. Fortunately for us, theft of bicycles has been extremely rare,” he said.

“It is very disappointing to try to present a welcoming store and workshop only to have some rat bag steal from us, but I am grateful for the support from the larger community in trying to locate this specific bike, particularly via social media.”

Mr Astromsky said the store employed the use of security cameras, which had helped to identify and prosecute thieves in the past. 

He said he hoped someone would return the bike to the store and he would accept it back with no further questions asked.

“In my experience, it is just a matter of time before the stolen goods are identified and returned, sometimes with an apology and sometimes through our local police.”

Anyone with information regarding the stolen bike is asked to contact Life Cycle Bikes on 9758 7671, via their Facebook page, or contact the Margaret River Police on 9757 2222.