A dad-of-three whose motorbike was stolen from outside his home has spoken of his frustration with the way his case has been dealt with by police.
Keith Anderson, from Wigan, relies on his motorbike to get to work as a palliative carer. But when he went to use his Honda CBR600F motorbike on Tuesday (April 11), his wife noticed the vehicle had vanished from outside the family's home.
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He reported the theft to GMP, but claims he was told by a 101 call handler that even though he has CCTV footage outside his house, if the image isn't clear, there's nothing they can do. He claims no police officers have contacted him or been to visit him since making the report.
GMP say they will take action in the case if new evidence comes to light.
Speaking to the M.E.N, he said: "We were about to take the kids out and we went outside and my wife asked where my bike was. I thought she was joking at first.
"But then I noticed it had actually gone. After speaking to the local bike community we believe someone has been using it to joyride. We think we have an idea of where it is.
"I contacted police but they just gave me a crime reference number and said even if I have CCTV, unless it's a clear image, they can't do anything. They've not come out to see me."
Keith says despite the lack of response from police, people around him have rallied to help. A gofundme page has been set up, and someone has offered him the use of a free bike.
"The response from the local community has been amazing," he said. "Because of the way I work with local charities, someone has set up a fundraising page and someone has given me a bike for free. I can't thank people enough.
"I was in tears last night because of the support I've received. The bike I am being given belonged to a friend who passed away a few years ago so it has extra sentimental value.
"The whole situation has hampered things for me and I have had to miss some work but because of the support it's not been as bad as it could have been."
The 39-year-old is a pillar of the local community in Golborne, and also works part-time as a chaplain, helping provide low-cost or free funerals to families who can't afford to pay.
He also fundraises for people less fortunate, and just this weekend, slept out alongside homeless people in Blackpool to raise over £2,000.
Keith says his bike is around 20 years old and is worth around £2,500. He is hoping if someone realises how important it is to him, they might do the right thing and return it.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "Greater Manchester Police received a report of a theft of a motor vehicle on Derby Road, Wigan, in the early hours of Tuesday 11 April 2023.
"After an initial investigation, unfortunately no suspect was identified. If new evidence comes to light, officers will take action to fight, prevent and reduce crime."
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