A Pakenham Secondary College student has had his bike stolen for the third time in just 10 weeks totally 4,000 in losses, sparking outrage and renewed concerns about school security.
His $2800 Merida One-Sixty 500, purchased to replace another stolen bike just weeks earlier, was taken from the school grounds despite being secured with a heavy-duty lock.
The family believe the thief used a battery-powered angle grinder to cut through the lock and chain, leaving behind metal shavings.
Grandmother Carole Maybus warned that the thefts have escalated from property crime to safety risks.
“This has devastated us yet again. Last week, another student’s bike was stolen,” Maybus said.
“Having unauthorised persons entering school grounds is not acceptable and dangerous.
“The thought that this thief could have been approached by any student is frightening. A thief armed with a battery angle grinder could be extremely dangerous and put that student at risk.”
Victoria Police are actively investigating a recent string of bike thefts reported at Pakenham Secondary College, occurring on 28 May, 20 June, and 12 August.
Cardinia’s Senior Sergeant Brendan Summers confirmed a 28-year-old Narre Warren man was arrested and charged with handling stolen goods in connection with the 28 May incident.
The stolen bike, recovered and returned to the student that month, was unfortunately stolen again on August 12.
All bicycle thefts reported to police remain unsolved at this stage but are under investigation.
“Police would like to encourage bicycle owners to ensure the serial number, a good photo, and/or a detailed description of their bicycle is held by the owner to assist police with their enquiries and/or for insurance purposes should their bicycle be lost or stolen.”
The teen’s mother, a single parent and full-time carer, has worked tirelessly to replace her son’s stolen bikes and support his mountain biking dream, but the repeated thefts are taking a heavy toll.
“The police could not believe this had happened for the third time,” she said.
“This is getting ridiculous! My son’s recovered bike was stolen again from Pakenham Secondary yesterday. 3 bikes in 10 weeks for us.”
Maybus’ family questioned the Department of Education’s failure to act, expressing deep concern that families are unfairly forced to shoulder the cost of stolen student belongings.
“The Education Department encourages students to ride to school but takes no responsibility for the safety of their bikes.”
The teen, who lives with autism and PTSD, needs 13 hours of downhill mountain biking to earn his Duke of Edinburgh Award.
His journey has also been marked by traumatic events over the years that have tested his strength.
“When my son was six, he witnessed me being assaulted by our next-door neighbour. We had to move quite quickly to escape that situation,” his mother recalled.
“Approximately 4 years ago, our home was broken into via his bedroom window. He slept with a cricket bat for weeks after this incident. He was 11.
“2 years ago, after moving into our forever home (I was finally able to buy a house using the government single parent scheme), he was attacked by two older teens for his bike, the big nine 100.”
Determined to move forward, the family launched a fundraiser to help purchase a new bike so he could complete the required 13 hours of downhill mountain biking for his Duke of Edinburgh Award.
The Department of Education was approached for comment.
