By CHERIE DONNELLAN
OCEAN Grove’s Jon Willard is “indebted” to a pair of surfers who returned his unique surfboard after confronting an alleged thief.
Mr Willard praised Adrian Rudov and Jason Simpson for approaching the man in a Torquay car park after recognising the board with him from a viral Facebook post.
Mr Willard’s Facebook plea for information about his missing Rasta ’66 nose-rider was shared more than 2500 times in a fortnight.
Mr Willard said the alleged thief claimed to have “found” the custom board six weeks at Point Impossible – the same time and place it was stolen.
The man handed over the board after Mr Rudov identified its unique markings, he told Mr Willard.
Mr Rudov also gave Mr Willard the alleged thief’s car registration.
Bellarine Police officer-on-charge Senior Sergeant Angelo Ferrara said after the theft that the unique markings could help identify the board.
He also urged “trusting locals” to ensure the security of their belongings.
Thieves preyed on surfers who failed left possessions in cab trays or inside unlocked vehicles, he said.
