TWO “UNDER” FOR BICYCLE THEFT ON KINGSTON AVENUE

Tuesday, July 15, 2008, 12:55pm: A Crown Heights resident riding his bicycle on Kingston Avenue stopped at Post Mark-it (corner of Crown Street). He went inside and left the bike leaning against the wall. A few seconds later he left the store and his bike was gone. The resident promptly notified Shmira and a description of the bike was transmitted over the Shmira radio requesting that members keep an eye out. Additionally, the resident called a few of his friends who would be able to recognize the bicycle and requested that they keep their eyes peeled as well.

Shmira members canvassed the area in search of the bicycle. After around two hours of searching, one of the residents’ friends went to Prospect Park and upon entering, he spotted two teenagers riding the bicycle around the track. While following from a distance, he called the resident and notified him that he had his bicycle in sight. He followed the bicycle around for a period of time while waiting for backup and at one point he thought he had lost sight of the duo. A little while later backup arrived in the form of multiple Shmira members and some friends.

One of the Shmira members flagged down a passing Police scooter and the Officer stopped the two teenagers. The Officer asked the Shmira members if they can prove that this bike belongs to the complainant to which the complainant responded by furnishing the key to a chain-lock that was wrapped around the bike. Multiple NYPD Officers arrived on the scene including two Detectives and they promptly placed the two teenagers under arrest. The two teenagers will be charged with grand larceny, possession of stolen property and resisting arrest. As is common, these two teenagers have prior criminal records.

Crown Heights Shmira would like to thank the Officers and Detectives of the 78^th Precinct for their swift and efficient response and their willingness to work together toward a mutual goal.

The Crown Heights Shmira and the Officers who responded would like to remind all bicycle owners to have it registered at their local Police station. (In this instance if not for the lock wrapped around the bike there may have not been sufficient proof of ownership and the story may not have had a happy ending).

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