Imagine waking up to find your most cherished possession—a rare, $120,000 classic convertible—vanished without a trace. This is the heartbreaking reality for one Victorian homeowner, who fell victim to a brazen theft over the weekend. But here's where it gets even more unsettling: the stolen vehicle isn't your average car—it's a 1965 Riley Roadster convertible, a head-turning masterpiece in dark red that’s as unique as it is valuable. And this is the part most people miss: thieves also made off with an orange RTM 450CC dirt bike, turning a single burglary into a double blow for the owner.
The incident occurred at a rural property on Dicksons Road in Pentland Hills, west of Melbourne, between midnight Saturday and 11:15 a.m. Sunday. After breaking into a shed, the burglars targeted these two high-value vehicles, leaving behind a trail of questions. Is this the work of opportunistic thieves, or was this a meticulously planned heist? Detective Senior Constable Alexei Anikeev emphasized the car’s distinctiveness, stating, 'This isn’t just a vehicle—it’s someone’s pride and joy, a labor of love. You won’t mistake it for a Camry or Corolla on the road.'
The Riley Roadster, bearing registration plates 75672H, and the dirt bike, registered as 86278, are now the focus of an urgent investigation. But here’s the controversial question: Could the rarity of these vehicles make them harder to sell, or does their uniqueness actually attract a niche market of collectors—or even criminals?
If you have any information about this theft, you’re urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or submit a tip online at http://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au. Meanwhile, stay updated on this and other breaking stories by downloading the 9News app, available on the Apple App Store (https://apps.apple.com/au/app/9news/id1010533727) and Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nineNewsAlerts.nine.com&hl=en_AU&pli=1). Get real-time alerts on news, sports, politics, and weather delivered straight to your smartphone.
What do you think? Is this theft a random act, or could there be more to the story? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we want to hear your take!
