On June 8, 2012, the owner of a custom-built bicycle was a victim of grand theft when his one of a kind, $4000 bicycle was...stolen from his home on Castle Road in La Canada-Flintridge. The victim spent a great deal of time building the bicycle so it has great sentimental value, in addition to its monetary value.
Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station detectives received information that the bicycle was advertised for sale on the Craigslist website, and began their search to find and recover the bicycle.
The detectives’ investigation included the execution of two search warrants in the Antelope Valley area and countless hours of follow-up investigation. During the investigation, the bicycle was located in the state of Oregon and returned to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Detectives met with the rightful owner on Monday, August 20th, and returned his property. The victim was very thankful for its return and grateful to have his favorite bike returned to him.
Detectives are following leads to identify the suspect(s), and the investigation is on-going.
Anyone with information about the suspect or this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Crescenta Valley Station at (818) 236-4009. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.com/.
TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR BIKE SAFE:
Many bikes are easily stolen because they are not locked. Your first line of defense is a good lock, properly used. Lightweight cable or chain locks are easily cut and offer little protection. Ask a good bike shop for some good advice.
Many bikes are stolen from home (yard, porch, garage, dorm room, etc.) Store your bike in a secure place when not in use. If you are not sure your storage is secure, use your lock!
Ask your neighbors and local bike shops about bicycle theft and safety in your area. If you know where your bike is most vulnerable, you can better protect it.
Register your bike. Professional bicycle thieves frequently sell stolen bikes in other cities and states because of the difficulty in tracing owners.
Lock your bike to something secure, e.g. a bike rack or a lamppost. If there are no bike racks, contact your local council to ask if they can put some in. Always lock your bicycle, even if you are only leaving it for a couple of minutes
Make the lock and bike difficult to maneuver when parked – keep the lock away from the ground and keep the gap between the bike and lock small
Lock up removable parts (e.g. wheels) and take light fittings with you
Have your bike's frame security-marked or engraved
Take out insurance, either by extending your home contents insurance or through a separate policy. Cycling organizations and bike shops may offer specialist cover
Take a clear color photograph of your bike and make a written record of its description, including any unique features
Keep your bike in a secure garage or shed and keep the door locked
Keep it out of public view
Avoid isolated places – leave your bike where a potential thief can be seen
Written by:
Debra L. Herman, Sergeant
LASD – Crescenta Valley Station
4554 Briggs Avenue,
La Crescenta, CA 91214
818-236-4009
www.CV.lasd.org
Forwarded By:
Kim Manatt, Deputy
Mike Parker, Captain
Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau - Newsroom
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
4700 Ramona Blvd., Monterey Park CA 91754
Office: 323-267-4800
http://www.lasd.org/
[email protected]
www.Nixle.com
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Leroy D. Baca, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
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