This stolen bicycle case from Chico, California, is notable even though more than a quarter million bicycles are stolen every year.
Police have arrested a man they believe is responsible for the theft of an estimated $125,000 worth of high-end bicycles in northern California.
They found 30 such bicycles whole or disassembled for resale in a storage locker.
The Chico Press-Enterprise says that police believe the 28-year-old man already sold more than a dozen stolen bicycles intact or by their components over the Internet. Police said it may be the largest property crime ever investigated in Chico.
Some of the stripped down ultralight frames are valued at $4,000.
It's not surprising the bike thief could prey on so many expensive bicycles in the town.
Bicycling is a popular pursuit in Chico, a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community. The town will be the site of a bicycle exhibition — “Bicycle: Life on Two Wheels” — at the Chico Museum beginning March 3.
Police told the newspaper that they knew they had a serial bicycle thief in the community last November when a resident reported five high-end bicycles were stolen from his residence, but all other valuables were left behind.
Chico police arrested the man after an alleged burglary attempt on Saturday. A home owner confronted the man as he prowled through his garage; he fled on foot but was found later.
Anyone whose bicycle has been stolen in the Chico area should contact police detectives at (530) 897-5825. Victims should have a bicycle serial number or some identifying information available.
Because of the frequency of bicycle theft, owners should always record the bicycle serial numbers. They're usually found under the bottom bracket. That can ensure you get your bicycle back if it's ever recovered.
In a recent year (2004), the FBI reported that about 250,000 bicycles were reported stolen. The National Bike Registry estimates that 1.5 million bicycles are stolen every year, although most are not reported.
2 comments
Good job for solving the biggest crime. Great Job. Keep it up guys.
It even seems frivolous to have a cable or a chain. Bike thiefs have bolt cutters and in five seconds they can be off and down the road with your bike. I wish I had known about gps for bikes as I might have been able to get mine back. I didn’t have it registered but I did have the serial number and frame number for I.d. Hopefully this might help. Please anyone who buys a used bike, check on Facebook to see if the cerial number is listed under stolen bikes. If you find it, call the cops so someone might get their bike back. Thanks.