Motor-cycle clue

Press, 21 March 1983, Page 2

Motor-cycle clue

Detectives would like to hear from anyone who may have seen this black Yamaha motor-cycle, which was stolen from Christchurch on March 5 and was used in the $lOO,OOO Lumsden bank hold-up last Thursday. Detective Sergeant B. M. Rosewell, of the Christchurch C. 1.8., said the motor-cycle had several “customised” accessories which made it stand out from similar models.

The black, 1100 cu cm, 1979 model Yamaha, had a custom-made windshield and rear carrier and a distinctive design on the fuel tank.

“We believe the motorcycle may have been ridden round the streets of Christchurch between March 5 and March 16 so we would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the machine or noticed it going into, or out of a driveway,” said Detective Sergeant Rosewell. “Because of the custommade windshield, carrier

and fuel tank design, the bike is extremely distinctive.”

The police say a possible sighting of the motor-cycle last Wednesday south of Christchurch has been reported. They would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the machine, licence number 25GXB, on the road between Christchurch and Lumsden, or at hotels, motels, or camping grounds on the way.

Last Friday, in a search of the roadside between Lumsden and Mossburn, the police found the stolen motor-cycle, a loaded shotgun, disguises, clothing, and two helmets.

Inquiries also centre around a small Japanese car, coloured red or brown, which was seen in the area where the motor-cycle was abandoned, about 3km from Lumsden, about the time of the robbery. The police have limited descriptions of the robbers, who were said to be of medium build and height. One could possibly have been a Maori or part-Maort