Test drive theft prevention tips

Monday, March 11th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A bike bandit took off with a Tulsa man's motorcycle during a test drive recently. The owner was selling the bike, and was shocked when the prospective buyer drove away and never came back.

As more and more people sell their own vehicles, we thought we'd pass along some important tips to keep this from happening to you. News on Six crime reporter, Lori Fullbright says the missing motorcycle is a Honda CBR 929, limited production.

Luong Dang had it for sale and showed it to a prospective buyer who wanted to drive it. " He showed me his license and I glanced at it just to see if he had a motorcycle endorsement. He left and never came back." Dang says the man was clean cut and arrived with friends in an Expedition, those friends stayed during the test drive, so Dang didn't worry, but, as time went by, those friends also left. So, Dang got the Expedition's license plate number. â€œI was shocked. If it happened at a shopping center or a mall, it would've been one thing, but it happened right under my nose."

This is the time of year when lots of people sell their own vehicles, they are anxious to make a sale, often in hurry and trusting, all which make them vulnerable to criminals. Tulsa Police officer Andy Phillips, "Why is it as adults, we have a hard time saying no. If he looks sleazy and acts weird, you can say sorry, you can't drive it, sorry, I already sold it, that's your option."

Officer Phillips says you should never show a car alone, have someone with you. If the person wants to do a test-drive, keep their driver's license and the keys to the car they came in. If it's a motorcycle you're selling, you need to go with them on the test drive. And, don't be so anxious to make the sale that you forget safety. "Greed always gets us in trouble."

Police did find the Expedition the thief had arrived in, it was also stolen. They found the buddy who was driving it, he says he didn't know his friend was going to steal the motorcycle and is cooperating. So far, police haven't found him and have only a name of Johnny or J-money.

If you know this man or have seen the motorcycle, you can call Crimestoppers at 596-COPS.