#1 2010-08-01 18:46:54

Chuck_McNeil
Member
Registered: 2008-06-05
Posts: 33

Stolen Bike?

http://austin.craigslist.org/bik/1874928832.html

My bike was stolen from my apartment recently, so I've been watching craigslist to see if it shows up.
That post matches my bike description.
I called the guy.  First question he asks, "Where do you live?"  When I ask what size, "59 inch."
My bike was a 54cm so it's not mine.
Would the police go check out that bike on my suspicion of it being stolen?

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#2 2010-08-02 09:44:10

rmonsees
Member
Registered: 2008-05-27
Posts: 39

Re: Stolen Bike?

I don't know how the police might respond, but I wouldn't conclude it's not yours because the person said it was "59 inch".  If that's supposed to be the frame size (which is likely what you were comparing with 54cm) , it would be a nearly 150 cm frame size.  Unless the guy's about 18 foot tall, it's likely he didn't know how or what to measure.  If he meant 59cm, that might explain it, but you might want to get clarification.

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#3 2010-08-03 16:26:13

dougmc
Administrator
Registered: 2008-06-01
Posts: 620

Re: Stolen Bike?

People mix up units all the time, so obviously he meant 59 cm.  But 59 does look a lot like 54, so perhaps he read it wrong?

I doubt the police would go out and check it out on just what you've said.  You could go out and check it yourself, however -- but what will you do if it turns out to be your bike?  I'd suggest haggling about price, decide not to buy it, leave and call the police -- THAT would likely get them out there.  Telling him that it's your bike and it was stolen is just asking for trouble.

Can you prove it's yours?  A receipt would be ideal with the serial number ...

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#4 2010-08-04 11:31:17

Chuck_McNeil
Member
Registered: 2008-06-05
Posts: 33

Re: Stolen Bike?

Turns out it is a 54cm.  I had a friend call and ask about it.  She set up a meeting and got their address.
I have a case number for the break-in and the police have the serial number of the bike.  I called the police, once I had an address.  Turns out the guy that lives there has a warrant for his arrest for burglary.  The detective said he would come along to look at the bike.  I should have more info after 1:30.  I'm pretty sure it's my bike.

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#5 2010-08-05 00:11:11

Chuck_McNeil
Member
Registered: 2008-06-05
Posts: 33

Re: Stolen Bike?

From email received at 11:30pm:
"We got your bike!

Call me tomorrow morning and I will get it back to you.

Detective Bailey"

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#6 2010-08-05 13:50:18

bizikletari
Member
Registered: 2009-03-18
Posts: 223

Re: Stolen Bike?

This is awesome. Congratulations. Once in a while good news from APD.

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#7 2010-08-06 12:09:10

Chuck_McNeil
Member
Registered: 2008-06-05
Posts: 33

Re: Stolen Bike?

This just got even sweeter.  There's a chance my apartment complex will pay me a $5k or $10k reward for catching the thief.  I seriously doubt they'll pay, but it's a definite possibility.  :D

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