Rider Gets Flat Tire Fixed, Tries To Steal Mechanic’s Bike To Meet Friends On Time

3 minutes reading time

Man attempts to steal bike repairman’s motorcycle to meet friends


Punctuality is generally considered a good trait. Some believe it reflects a person’s individual values – including respect, responsibility, and professionalism.

But it’s a completely different story when one commits extreme acts in the name of punctuality – such as plotting to steal another person’s bike to make it to a friend’s gathering in time as this man in our story has done.

Naturally, his reckless actions did not come without consequences.


His bike got a flat tire, and he didn’t have enough money to fix it


flat tire
(Photo for illustrative purposes only)

Image adapted from Thanh Niên

As Thanh Niên reported, on 11th May, 26-year-old Dương Văn Lanh, from Thanh Khê District, Đà Nẵng, borrowed his father’s motorbike to go hang out with friends.

As he drove down Điện Biên Phủ Street, his bike got a flat tire. The man decided to walk his motorcycle to Mr. Phan Quang Phước, a local mechanic, to have it fixed.

The problem was, Lanh had neither the money nor the time to wait for the bike to get fixed. He was already running late to meet his friends.

It was then that a nefarious idea came to his mind.


He tried to steal the mechanic’s bike, but was not successful


bike stealer
Dương Văn Lanh detained at the police station following his unsuccessful attempt

Image adapted from Thanh Niên

Seeing that Mr. Phước was occupied with the flat tire, Lanh distracted his wife, hopped on the mechanic’s bike parked nearby, broke the lock, and attempted to ride off.

However, Mr. Phước’s wife realized Lanh’s actions in time and intercepted the man, knocking him to the ground. With his attempt unsuccessful, Lanh ran off on foot.

Later, Lanh returned to the scene to try to retrieve his own bike, but he was unable to. By then, the couple had informed the police and they had surrounded the area. Lanh hid in a nearby market until he was arrested shortly after.


Rider got flat tire, tried to steal mechanic’s bike to meet friends


While Lanh was determined to be punctual, his attempt to do so at another man’s expense was not the right thing to do. We’re glad to see that justice was served in the end.

It’s important to note that his friend’s gathering – in the current climate – was also ill-advised. With Đà Nẵng still reporting new Covid-19 cases with unclear infection sources, authorities have urged citizens to refrain from going out as much as possible.

May this case be a reminder for us to stay alert to keep ourselves safe – from potential thefts and from the pandemic.

For more stories, check out:


Cover image adapted from Thanh Niên (left) and Thanh Niên (right), left panel for illustrative purposes only

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