The victim’s bike, a 1971 Bridgestone 90 Sport. How often do they come up for sale?

POLICE are hunting four thieves who stole a classic motorcycle from an 83-year-old man by pretending they wanted to buy it.

The four men agreed to buy the rare 1971 Bridgestone 90 Sport but loaded it into their van and drove off without paying.

Police say the victim was left ‘extremely shocked and upset’ by the theft, which happened at his home in Hambleton, Lancashire, last Wednesday.

The four men also stole a traditional butcher’s bicycle and a chicken pen after agreeing to pay £1,675 for all three items.

PC Victoria Reed of Blackpool Police said: ‘This theft has left the victim, who is an 83-year-old man, extremely shocked and upset and I would appeal to anyone with any information to contact us.’

An appeal from Lancashire Police said: ‘At around 1pm on Wednesday 20 May a group of four men in a white van arrived at the victim’s address on Shard Lane posing as potential customers who were looking to buy a vintage bike.

‘The men agreed to buy a motorcycle, a traditional butcher’s bike which had “VMCC” written on the frame and a chicken pen for £1675 before loading the items into the van and driving off without paying the victim.

‘Anyone with information contact police on 01253 604355 or they can call 101 quoting crime reference number WD1502273.

‘Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.’

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