The community has rallied to help return an Oak Flats child's stolen bicycle.
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Eleven-year old Levi Tickner's bike was stolen from outside a takeaway business on Central Avenue in Oak Flats on Monday afternoon.
It was stolen while he was inside waiting for his order.
"He was sitting there, and he just saw someone come really quickly and take off with his bike," his mother Nadine said.
"He dumped his bike, and took Levi's."
In the aftermath, thinking quickly, Levi didn't touch the thief's bike due to it potentially containing the thief's fingerprints.
Lake Illawarra police were then called.
About 11.45am on Tuesday, Lake Illawarra police arrested and charged a 21-year old man in relation to two break, enter and steal offences at a commercial premises in Shellharbour City.
A number of tools were stolen and have since been recovered.
Inquiries by police identified this male was riding a bike similar to Levi's.
Police inquiries led them to a house in Lake Illawarra, where Levi's bike was recovered.
The bike was returned to Levi at Lake Illawarra Police Station on Wednesday.
Mrs Tickner was thankful for the help from police and the Oak Flats community, including local businesses who rallied to help.
"Everyone just pulled together and got CCTV," she said.
"He's stoked to have it back - it's his pride and joy."
The 21-year old male was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Port Kembla Local Court on October 22.
Police are expecting to lay further charges in relation to this matter.