Low-life thieves hit

By Nicole Williams
IN THE middle of a big move and just before having a new baby, a Dandenong business owner has been left gutted by a callous factory robbery.
Tristan Culvenor, owner of RedLine Motorcycles in Hammond Road, lost $20,000 worth of custom goods for customers and Probolt products as well as priceless personal riding gear from his time as a professional racer.
“It’s tough enough to run a small business already, and particularly with a child on the way,” he said.
“My initial thought was that it would be easier, financially and mentally, to close but once I calmed down and got over the initial shock, my resolve is stronger than ever to keep the business going.”
Mr Culvenor was halfway through a move into a nearby factory and had moved most of his stock as well as the security system.
He also doesn’t have insurance because of the high premiums for businesses like his small motorcycle workshop.
The $4000 worth of Probolt products stolen would be distinctive because he is the only Australian distributor and his racing leathers were sentimental items but were plastered with his name.
They can’t be replaced – only returned.
“They are not saleable items because they are far too identifiable,” he said.
“If we can recover the goods, it would unbelievable.”
“We’d love to see whoever has done this pay for what they’ve done through the course of the law.”
Detective Senior Constable Nick Lamb from Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit said they believed two offenders gained access through a side roller door and had likely targeted the factory because it had no security system.
“It appears they have targeted the racing memorabilia and stock from the shop floor,” he said.
Det Sen Const Lamb said the items were identifiable and motorcycling enthusiastic should be on the look out for the distinctive items and parts.
“We are urging local members looking to purchase motorcycle parts to be mindful of where and how the seller came to have the items,” he said.
Anyone with information about the robbery or whereabouts of the stolen goods is urged to contact Dandenong CIU on 9767 7487 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.