COLUMBIA — A white van reported stolen from a T.G.I. Friday’s on Saturday afternoon might have been used to steal two motorcycles reported stolen earlier that day, according to a news release from the Columbia Police Department.
The van, a white 1997 Dodge Caravan with Missouri license plate KE0G8X, was locked, and keys were not left inside. It was stolen from the T.G.I. Friday’s at 3030 I-70 Drive Southeast.
Officers said police also suspect that a white van was used to steal two Suzuki motorcycles Saturday morning from the parking lot of the Ramada Inn at 901 Conley Road. Officers saw a vehicle matching the description on the security tapes of a nearby business.
The owners of the vehicle, who are from Grandview and were staying in a nearby hotel, later retrieved items believed to be discarded from the van. Officers recovered the items, including a red gas can, two sleeping bags and other miscellaneous items, from near a Dumpster at the 3600 block of I-70 Drive Southeast.
The motorcycles reported stolen from the Ramada Inn were:
A dark green 1981 Honda Goldwing, with Georgia license plate CY46NH, was also reported missing Thursday from the La Quinta Inn, 2500 I-70 Drive Southwest.
The thefts occurred during the 33rd annual National Bikers Roundup that took place from Aug. 3 to 8 at the Boone County Fairgrounds. An estimated 12,000 people attended the event.
Officers are investigating, and anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 875-8477.