Friday, May 20, 2016

Bike Thefts Are Up

Bike Thefts Are Up

Public Information Coordinator Becky Range from Redmond Police Department
Photo from Becky Range
Lots of bike thefts in the last few weeks...especially at the Overlake Transit Center and from apartments along Cleveland. Patrol has seen many secured with only a cable lock, and they are being easily cut. We encourage cyclists to use a strong u-lock and even better, a combination of a u-lock and a cable. See more tips in the attached photo or here http://redmond.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId....

One particular bike was stolen from the parking garage near 168th Ave NE and NE 72 St. The victim had just purchased the bike, which was stolen from a locked bicycle cage located inside the garage. The chain-link fence that made the perimeter of the cage appeared to be cut, allowing access to the bicycle. It is possible the thief cut the cage in advance, as it appeared it had been zip-tied back together.

Thankfully, the victim provided a picture of the bike and then quickly located what appeared to be her stolen bike listed for sale on Offer Up. The original purchase price was $1,150 and it was listed for sale for $500.

An undercover officer was successful in setting up a meeting with the seller a few days later, who asked to meet in north Seattle. The seller rode up on the stolen bike. Officers identified and detained the individual without incident, who had not provided his real name on the listing. We were happy to reunite the bike with its rightful owner. The case is still being further investigated.

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