By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Bike owner ‘astounded’ no charges laid despite Facebook Live evidence

Sep 12, 2018 | 5:11 PM

NANAIMO — It was social media, not the police, who came to the rescue of a Cobble Hill shop owner whose motorcycle was stolen.

Dustin Hofer, owner of Pride Motor Sports, turned to Facebook on Sept. 9 after he found his motorcycle was stolen some time overnight. Within a day, Hofer was tipped off about where the motorcycle was in Nanaimo so he hit record on Facebook Live and confronted the alleged thieves while rescuing his bike.

Hofer told NanaimoNewsNOW he decided to get his bike back himself after rarely seeing police success in solving previous thefts. This incident was no different for him.

Nanaimo RCMP said they were “unable to determine who took the bike and how long it has been on the property. Without definitive proof, no arrests were made and charges are unlikely.”

first response

New staffing model on Gabriola Island hires local paramedics for enhanced patient care

1h ago

modified weapon

Sawed-off shotgun seized after Nanaimo RCMP spot well-known offender

14h ago

rainbow eyes

Nanaimo judge hands old growth logging protestor additional jail time

16h ago

“It’s pretty astounding there’s no charges being laid,” Hofer said. “I’ve had over 20 messages from neighbours in that area of Nanaimo who thanked me personally, letting me know this house has been a nightmare for them. I wanted to make a difference and actually catch these folks.”

Though Hofer got his bike back, Nanaimo RCMP warned of how dangerous it was going in alone.

The $1,000 reward offered for the bike’s return was donated to the Warmland House and Outreach shelter in Duncan after the tipster who pointed Hofer in the right direction turned down the money.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @nanaimonewsnow