Derrimut man, 40 charged after evading police on stolen scooter from Sebastopol with hand-written number plates

A “barely rideable” scooter stolen seven years ago was returned to its owner after police spotted a rider with hand-written number plates on his way to the pokies.

A “barely rideable” scooter stolen 7 years ago was found with hand-written number plates in Brimbank last week. Picture: Supplied

A man on a late night pokies trip was allegedly busted riding a stolen scooter with hand-written number plates before it was returned to the owner after seven years.

A 40-year-old Derrimut man was charged theft of motor vehicle, driving unlicensed, handle stolen goods, possess prohibited weapons, affix false number plate and other driving offences.

Police intercepted the man in Ardeer about 11.15pm on March 20.

Police pulled the Derrimut man over in Ardeer on March 20. Picture: Generic

A check of the VIN identified the scooter as stolen seven years ago from a Sebastopol address, near Ballarat.

Police say the Derrimut man was on his way to a late night gambling session but never made it to the pokies.

He was also allegedly in possession of knuckle dusters and a slingshot.

He was bailed to appear before Sunshine Magistrates’ Court later this year.

The Sebastopol owner was “impressed” after learning of the discovery because the bike was “barely rideable” when it was stolen in 2017, according to police.