When Jackson Neuhaus, 12, and Josiah Quatell, 13, popped into West Shore Town Centre to use the bathroom on Jan. 7, they left their bikes unlocked outside.
Unfortunately, they failed to lock them, and when they came back out, the bikes were gone.
Worse, it was Josiah’s birthday. “I just turned 13 that day.”
The two, both students at Centre Mountain Lellum Middle School, were determined to get the bikes back, since they depend on them for transportation. The bikes are known as “jumpers” — they have one brake and are designed for taking on dirt jumps, like the ones on special courses.
The boys reported the theft to mall security right away, and also placed a call to West Shore RCMP.
Security staff found video surveillance that showed the bikes being taken by a man and a woman.
Not only were they known to officers from previous dealings, but they had given their signatures and phone numbers at an electronics store in the area that day when they had their phones charged.
“That’s how we got their names, and then it was up to the police to find out the rest,” Jackson said.
The bikes were found a day later, Josiah said.
Police found one at the male suspect’s home, and located the other one nearby.
A man and a woman, both 29 and residents of East Sooke, were arrested for theft under $5,000.
The suspects were released with conditions that include not going to West Shore Town Centre. They have a March court date.
Jackson’s mother, Candace Neuhaus, says she’s proud of the boys for going straight to mall security to report their bikes stolen and then calling the police and making the report on their own. “It was a very upsetting situation for them both and they handled it very maturely.”
She also praised the efforts of mall security and police.
Josiah’s mother, Lynai Quatell, also expressed her admiration for the two friends for taking immediate action. “The outcome couldn’t have been any better for our boys,” she said.
Const. Nancy Saggar said the boys acted bravely, and she presented them with certificates from the police.
“That is to acknowledge your great actions on that day, doing the right thing and helping us catch the criminals.”
As for the boys, they’ll be locking their bikes every single time from now on, Jackson said.
jbell@timescolonist.com
