GEORGE NEWS - A senior citizen who is a regular sight in the CBD with her blue Raleigh bicycle has asked the public to be on the lookout for her beloved two-wheeler after it was stolen on Tuesday 15 February.
Rosemary Friend, who lives in a gated complex in Sas de Kock Avenue, says she had parked her bicycle in its usual spot when she returned home from tennis practice at about 11:30.
It was only at about 15:30 that she noticed with a shock that her bicycle was gone.
"I use my bicycle to go shopping and as transport to tennis at the George Sport Club which is on the other side of town. One should think that living in a gated community would provide more security," she says.
"I would like to warn other senior citizens living in security complexes that they should not be overly confident. I suspect the thief gained access from the next door property through a loose metal pole in the fence. He had the nerve to exit through two pedestrian gates, breaking the lock of the metal gate in the boundary wall."
Her bicycle is blue and has a women's frame. In the front is a metal basket with peeling white paint. The saddle is upholstered in blue and is also somewhat worn.
Friend has reported the case to the police. "This is the second time my bicycle has been stolen. The first time the thief sold it to a woman. I prayed to the Lord to get it back and not long after the incident I was at the Botanical Garden when I noticed a young boy riding it. He told me his mom had bought it for him. Eventually she had to surrender my bicycle to the police and I got it back. I was so grateful."
A few years ago, George Herald also reported on how Friend was attacked while on foot in Victoria Street near her home.
Anyone who may have information that could help locate her bicycle, is asked to phone 082 779 3917.
There was a loose pole in the metal fence that Friend thinks the thief must have known of.
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
