A business owner has slammed thieves who stole his tuk tuk and set it alight “as part of a funeral procession” in Salford.
Anthony Gelley said the theft happened outside his home on Cavendish Road on Tuesday (September 21).
The 30-year-old claims “around seven men” snatched the vehicle from the driveway at around 10.30pm.
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Motorbikes and quad bikes caused chaos in Salford yesterday morning when around 20 vehicles were seen revving engines and driving erratically at the Cromwell Road roundabout in Kersal.
Police slammed those involved in the anti-social behaviour, who rode across the grass verge of the roundabout and were seen starting a fire.
Mr Gelley, director of Prima Insurance Brokers, had previously used his tuk tuk as a company car.
After arriving at the office on Thursday, he was told someone had spotted the vehicle involved in the funeral procession the day after it was stolen.
It’s believed the vehicle was taken to “use in the procession” towards Agecroft Cemetery.
It was then subsequently dumped and set on fire near Kimberley Street.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News , Mr Gelley said: “I went into the office and I started getting phone calls from people saying they saw it in a funeral procession on Oaklands Road.
“I’m not sure who it was for. It’s been set on fire. It was a company care but I used it as my car too.
“Seven people stole it from my house. I thought, ‘Why would anyone take that?’ It’s got no value. It can’t resale, it’s all branded up.
“It was all very strange. It was a bit disappointing but when it’s gone, it’s gone. Everything happens for a reason. At least it’s insured.”
A spokesman for GMP confirmed enquiries into the incident are ongoing.
In a statement, the force said: “Officers were called just after 1pm yesterday (22 September 2021) to a report of a theft of a motor vehicle on Cavendish Road in Salford.
“It is believed a tuk tuk was taken at around 10.30pm the night before."
Police say officers are reviewing CCTV footage from around Salford yesterday and will be speaking to residents who may have breached tenancy agreements by 'supporting, participating or encouraging this type of anti-social behaviour'.
A post on the Greater Manchester Police Swinton, Pendlebury and East Salford Facebook page, said that several people attending the funeral "used stolen, and their own vehicles" to cause anti-social behaviour.
Officers say they are reviewing CCTV to pursue those responsible.
The post by Inspector Lomas reads: "Today in Kersal there was a funeral for a respected member of that community. Regrettably this was not treated as a sombre occasion and a large element of those that attended used stolen, and their own vehicles to cause anti-social behaviour on Littleton and Cromwell road.
"There will be follow up of all the criminal offences disclosed, we will review all of the CCTV footage at our disposal to pursue those responsible.
"I have an officer from my team making personal contact with everyone that has called the police today to report what they saw.
"I want to say thank you to all of the law abiding residents of Kersal and assure them that I and my team are on duty tonight. We do respond to every call made and we will follow up all lines of enquiry reported.
"Longer term I will be speaking to housing about those residents that may have breached their tenancy conditions by supporting, participating or encouraging this type of anti-social behaviour."
Anyone with information on the stolen tuk tuk is asked to report it online or by using the LiveChat service at www.gmp.police.uk .
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
