Rare $18,000 e-bike stolen from giveaway winner, recovered by police

A Gold Coast entrepreneur has thanked police for finding the rare e-bike stolen from his property just days after he gave it away at a charity auction.

A Gold Coast entrepreneur has thanked police for finding the rare e-bike stolen from his property just days after he gave it away at a charity auction.

Daniel Anderson-Jones, who employs about 15 staff at a consultancy agency, and runs the not-for-profit MTB Giveaways Australia from Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise, was devastated after discovering the break-in on Friday, November 28.

CCTV had captured a man breaking into the Level 5 office between 12.58am and 2.05am.

The most significant loss was a rare Yeti LTE 2026 e-bike, worth about $16,000 or $18,000 depending on the transmission.

Mr Anderson-Jones said the electric mountain bike had been won in a live draw and was ready to be handed to the winning community member.

The alleged offender inside Cavill Ave office. Picture: Daniel Anderson-Jones

“We plan to organise a race series and the company is pretty much a not-for-profit … so for people to buy tickets and have a lucky winner and the bike disappear, it’s left me in an amazingly bad position because I’ve gotta fork out another $18,000, which I simply don’t have.”

He said the bike was “extremely rare”, with “only two in the country at the moment”.

The entrepreneur’s outlook dramatically changed this week after police recovered the item.

“I couldn’t believe it when I got the call from the police,” Mr Anderson-Jones said.

“I thought I was gonna go under, so I’m absolutely ecstatic – it allows me to continue running this business.”

The alleged offender exits Cavill Ave building with stolen e-bike and other items. Picture: Daniel Anderson-Jones

Queensland Police confirmed on Friday the e-bike had been recovered and charges laid.

Owner of MTB Giveaways Australia, Daniel Anderson-Jones (right), 'absolutely ecstatic' after the stolen $18,000 Yeti mountain e-bike was recovered by police. Picture: Daniel Anderson-Jones

A 30-year-old Palm Beach man, Samuel Wessel, was charged with one count each of entering premises with intent to commit, and stealing.

He appeared before Southport Magistrates Court on Friday and his matters were adjourned to Monday, December 8.

A 33-year-old Broadbeach man has been charged with one count of receiving tainted property and is due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on January 12.

A 23-year-old Southport woman received an adult caution for one count of receiving tainted property.

Originally published as Rare $18,000 e-bike stolen from giveaway winner, recovered by police