Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

ka · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 600 Location: Orkney.

Please read the following press release from the Vintage Motorcycle Club:-

The VMCC makes the following urgent request on behalf of one of its most
long standing members.
On the night of Sunday 6th of April 2008 nineteen Veteran & Vintage
Motorcycles were stolen from the West Gloucestershire home of
VMCC Member Mrs Joyce Cobbing.
Please find below a full list of the stolen machines-
1904 Humber, 4hp. V-twin. Reg. AB2607.
1911 Hobart, Ladies Model, 300cc, Reg. AR2945
1913 Humber, Reg. EH554.
1913 Douglas, Ladies Model. Reg. KT1703
1915 Brough, Ladies Model, in line Flat twin, 500cc Reg. AT2885
1915 Douglas. Reg. CT4454.
1921 Moto Gillet, 350cc. No Reg.
1921 Alcyon Acynette, 90cc. Ladies Model. No Reg, Wheels missing.
1923 Zenith-JAP, 680cc. V-Twin. Fuel tank missing. Reg. KH4513
1924 Calthorpe. Reg. PH569.
1925 Velocette.EL, Ladies Model, 3-Speed. Reg BC8928
1926 Moto Guzzi, 500cc. Reg. KC9654
1926 Rex Acme-Jap, V-Twin. Reg. RT2251
1927 New Imperial, 250cc. Reg. KH4513
1927 BSA, 350cc. OHV Reg. NX8103
1932 Moto Guzzi, 175cc, Model P, No Reg.
1932 Frera, 225cc. No Reg
1946 Ariel Red Hunter.1946, 500cc, Reg UAS872.
1950 Moto Guzzi, Motoleggera.48cc, No Reg.
Anyone with information should contact Gloucestershire Constabulary,
details below-
Detective Constable Emma Skeen
Tel- (01452) 335200
e-mail emma.skeen@gloucestershire.police.uk

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22843 Location: UK

Wow she must be gutted - I hope they were insured, although I'm sure that won't be of much comfort Sad

R
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Old-Nail · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 853

Nineteen motorcycles stolen in one go was obviously more than your usual 'Transit van' thieves. It must have more to do with who knew where they were, and also knew when the owner wasn't.

welder · Joined: 26 Nov 2007 Posts: 265 Location: North Warwickshire

I read the full article in Old Bike Mart and it seems that the bikes were quite specifically chosen from a much larger number. These have NOT been taken on a whim by chancers. I'd suggest that someone, somewhere has an enhanced collection at this Lady's cost, or that of her insurer.
Most of the bikes are so rare that they could never re-enter the public arena without being instantly noticed.
I have a feeling that there is more to this than meets the eye.

Ian

Old-Nail · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 853

My thoughts exactly. it seems that rare vehicles are now stolen for collectors much like paintings or other art.
One has to wonder about the logistics of moving so many machines around undetected, stripping them down for export, and reassembly when they reach the new buyer is quite a feat! Obviously not 'chancers'.