Bound up

By KIM PALMER

MICHAEL Vallas struggled to find the words to describe how he felt about the men who tied up his mother and stole a classic Ford from his Kerrs Road service station at Lidcombe last week.
His main concern was his mother, Alexandra, who he said was still upset by her ordeal at the hands of the car thieves.
Police said the 63-year-old woman was confronted by two men as she opened the business at 6am on Thursday morning. She was then tied up before they stole a car from the workshop.
According to a police statement, the men used a hammer and possibly a firearm, during the robbery.
Responding to an alarm, police officers freed Mrs Vallas, who suffered only minor physical injuries.
Investigations manager at Flemington Local Area Command (LAC) detective senior sergeant Robert Bagnell said she was obviously "quite shaken up" by the experience.
Mr Vallas said the thieves were only able to steal an uninsured metallic turquoise coloured, classic 1974-model Ford Cortina sedan (NSW registration, XTC - 393), which he had owned for more than 17 years.
"I am still speechless. The car was unregistered and just lived in the workshop. They could only get away with one car but they obviously wanted others," Mr Vallas said.
"It was more what happened to Mum than anything. We are just grateful she is okay.
"It's still a shock to us. Mum is better, but still pretty shaken up. She was back at work the next day. She is pretty strong."
Det Sen Sgt Bagnell urged anyone with any information about the robbery or the location of the missing car, to contact them immediately.
"This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information should contact Flemington police on 9646 8699 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000," he said.

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