On this day in 1990, The Canberra Times was reporting on the tragic death of an 18-year-old Tuggeranong youth.
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The boy died after his "gravity-powered - vehicle" collided with a car on Black Mountain Drive. The vehicles were described as 20-inch bicycles without pedals or chains and were used for a dare devil racing sport. The bicycles had recently been introduced to Australia after becoming popular in the United States.
The Australian Federal Police were appealing for witnesses to the accident and the ACT Ambulance Service repeated warnings for cyclists to wear helmets and protective clothing at all times. Ambulance media liaison officer, Garry Vincent, said that ambulance officers were being "confronted on a daily basis with kids on bikes" involved in road accidents without any protective items on them.
Also making news on this day, was the shock and anger of a Kaleen family after their house was burgled and their beloved family pet, was bashed to death during the break-in. The toy poodle was found by the families' 15-year-old son, Scott. The family were so shocked by the brutality, that they had offered a $500 reward to anyone who came forward with information. The burglers took money from the home, but left an expensive television, video and computer equipment. The home owner, Narelle Bolitho said "I am angry - not only that they come and break into our home - but they have no feelings for animals or anything". She said it was the first time the house had been burgled in the 10 years they had occupied it.