The power of social media and a Good Samaritan
Liverpudlian Ste Burke purchased the bike for £80, realising it was worth a whole lot more, and set about trying to track down its original owner.
>>> The UK’s top ten worst bike theft spots
Ste Burke bought the bike for the princly sum of £80, recognising that the Whyte 901 was worth a lot more than that (around £1,300) and that someone has been robbed and was no doubt desperately missing their pride and joy.
After buying the bike, Mr Burke posted a picture of it on Twitter and asking if anyone knew who’s bike it was…
Has anyone had their bike stolen? Just bought this for £80 and it’s got a bike lock on it. Apparently it’s from the Crosby area. Bought it so I can get it to back to the right owner. I know it’s a £1350 bike and id be heartbroken if it was me. Give us a shout ?? pic.twitter.com/uwb3iFwpx7
— Ste Burke (@SteBurke44) January 20, 2020
The Tweet went a tad viral, with thousands or retweets and comments. Eventually, the rightful owner of the bike was tracked down and the bike’s return sorted out. Mr Burke also told the owner that he didn’t even want his £80 back…
Was messaged on here by someone and it ended up being the fellas who’s bike it was. He had the key to the bike lock and all the paperwork to go with it. Ended up being from dovecot. Said his house got had off two days ago and…. (1/2)
— Ste Burke (@SteBurke44) January 20, 2020
He’d saved up and spent £1250 on the bike last year. Said his house has been had off but he’s made up that he’s managed to get his bike back, so happy days. It’s in the right hands now ??
— Ste Burke (@SteBurke44) January 20, 2020
Mr Burke’s actions attracted loads of praise. Some celebrities even got in on the act.Here’s Stormzy and Ralf Little commenting…
Top man ??❤️
— HEAVY IS THE HEAD (@stormzy) January 20, 2020
If you look at the follow up to this it’s a happy ending. But what an absolute mint thing to do and top bloke @Steburke44 https://t.co/71tJDUHrmS
— Ralf Little (@RalfLittle) January 21, 2020
Quoted in the Metro, Mr Burke said: “He thanked me as his home was recently burgled and it’s a bit of good news for him through the hard time he’s going through … He told me he got paid on Friday and could he send me the money then and I said no. I told him I didn’t feel right taking money off a man who has just had his house burgled.”
To top everything off, Halfords then spotted the story and contacted Mr Burke…
Hi @SteBurke44, as you’re such a good Samaritan we’d love to offer you a bike of your own. Do let us know if you’d like to take us up on the offer.
Kind regards,
The Halfords team— Halfords (@Halfords_uk) January 21, 2020
We’ve contacted Mr Burke and we’ll update this story when we hear what bike Halfords have offered him.