Bike Force Ellenbrook comes to the aid of robbed boy

FOURTEEN-year-old Tyler Copland went into a fast food store in Ellenbrook earlier this year for a few minutes to get some food.

When he came back outside, his BMX bike that he had left outside was nowhere to be seen.

The theft was reported to Ellenbrook Police, and struck a nerve with Local Policing Team supervisor Sgt John Browne, who contacted Bike Force Ellenbrook and Swan Hills MLA Frank Alban to see what could be done.

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After hearing the story, Bike Force owner Mark Bailey generously decided to donate a replacement bike, which was presented to the Year 9 Holy Cross College student on Thursday at the store.

Along with Tyler, his parents and Mr Alban, Ellenbrook officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Wal Brierley came along in place of Sgt Browne, who could not make it.

Sgt Brierley stressed that this happy ending was a one-off.

“We have lots of bikes stolen from time to time, and we don’t do this for everybody, but this particular family needed a hand, so we organised it,” he said.

“It is a fantastic example of local police officers partnering with a community business owner to assist a victim of crime who is not in a position to replace the stolen bike.

“It also serves as a reminder for people to lock up their belongings.”

Mr Alban donated a lock so the new bike would not face the same fate as Tyler’s previous one.

A juvenile was charged with stealing the bike, but it was never recovered.