By NATALIE GALLENTI
A BROOKLYN man has praised Melton Police after his house was ransacked by callous thieves who stole his most beloved possession.
Franc Titan told Star his treasured Harley Davidson motorcycle, along with computer and photography equipment, clothing and medication was taken from his Brooklyn property on Tuesday, 9 July.
Mr Titan said the stolen goods were worth in the vicinity of $20,000 and to make matters worse were not insured.
“I felt like I was 15 years old again with nothing to my name… no one could do anything worse to me,” he said.
But in a lucky twist of fate Melton Police apprehended the culprit only 15 minutes after Mr Titan made the report.
Senior Constable Dwayne Wilsher said police attempted a routine intercept of a vehicle towing a trailer and motorcycle in Brennan St, Melton, at about 2.45pm that day after realising the number plates were stolen.
Sen Const Wilsher said the male driver refused to stop and was pursued by police.
Eventually the pursuit was terminated when the offender began driving erratically. The vehicle was later found abandoned in a court off Brooklyn Rd and the male offender was found nearby.
A 31-year-old Melton man was arrested and has been charged with a number of offences including burglary, theft and driving offences.
A substantial amount of stolen property was recovered including the Harley Davidson motorcycle. The offender was remanded in custody.
A relieved Mr Titan said while his motorcycle took a battering and would need some work, he was just glad to have it back in his possession.
“He (the offender) just helped himself… I just put the bike back together and got it on the road 12 months ago, but at least I got it back,” he said.
“The police deserve a pat on the back.”
