AFTER waiting of more than 30 years for it to become his, an Ipswich man has been left reeling by the theft of his treasured, well-travelled moped.

By Georgina James

By GEORGINA JAMES

georgina.james@eveningstar.co.uk

AFTER waiting more than 30 years for it to become his, an Ipswich man has been left reeling by the theft of his treasured, well-travelled moped.

Motor enthusiast David Evans was left reeling by the theft from right outside his house as he was unloading other bikes from his trailer.

He had just popped inside for a cup of coffee when his classic machine was stolen from under his nose.

"I can't believe the cheek of whoever stole it. It was right outside my house and it had disappeared without trace," he said.

He added: "What's sad is that it's probably lying in a ditch somewhere, crying."

The 56-year-old first set eyes on the moped in 1969 in Frank Hammond's bike shop on Woodbridge Road.

"I remember the bike being prepared for its owner all those years ago and I instantly fell in love with it," he said.

"Then, just prior to last Christmas, its owner died and his daughter offered to sell it to me. I was so happy, it was like a dream come true."

The stolen classic bike, was a 1969 Puch VS50D, and was in perfect order. It was one of Mr Evans' favourite bikes and is of huge sentimental value to him.

He recently rode it across Britain, an event he does every year with the National Autocycle and Cyclemotor Club.

It is not the first time that one of Mr Evans' bike has been stolen. He explained that the last time one was taken, the thieves thrashed it around until they run out of petrol and then dumped in a ditch somewhere.

He said: "It's annoying because the bike was in immaculate condition and now it has probably been bashed and battered about."

Mr Evans who lives in Swansea Avenue in Ipswich, says he is optimistic he will get his bike back and is offering a reward to anyone who reunites him with his bike.

"It's not worth much, but it's part of my collection and I just want it back," he said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Ipswich police on 01473 613500.

Weblink

www.buzzing.org