By Prealene Khera
Students at Ardeer South Primary School started their year off on a sombre note, with the Sunshine West site targeted by thieves a day before classes resumed.
On January 28, an unknown number of thieves entered the school grounds and broke into a shed holding donated bikes.
They then allegedly stole three of the 20 bicycles, vandalised the area and also damaged the property.
The unwelcome sight was what most staff and students saw the following day, January 29.
Ardeer South Primary School principal Andrea Markham said it was an “awful” way to start the school year.
“They were so devastated,” she said.
“All of them were really excited to receive the bikes last year which were donated to us because a lot of our kids don’t have access to bikes at home.
“Unfortunately if there’s three missing it makes a difference with how many kids can access the bikes.”
Following the incident, the school made a public request on Facebook asking locals to keep an eye out for the stolen bikes.
The post was shared nearly 150 times, with the community’s response “overwhelming” Ms Markham said.
Subsequently, Community Bike Hub from West Footscray donated three bikes to help the school, with another local business also offering to pay for the replacements.
“It shows that we live in a beautiful community,” Ms Markham said.
“When it happened we were thinking about who would want to steal from a school and take things away from students but it’s also amazing to see the support we’ve received since.
“It’s taught the kids that there are bad things that happen, but there’s also so much good out there.”
Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.
Police said thieves stole three blue fluid mountain bikes estimated to be worth $500 each.
Anyone with information or anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area, with dashcam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at
