Cycle Task Force arrest two men and seize 10 bikes
26 January 2012
Ten bikes, believed to be stolen, have been seized by the Metropolitan Police Service Safer Transport Command’s Cycle Task Force.
The officers from the Cycle Task Force, which is funded by Transport for London (TfL), carried out a search warrant at an address in Lewisham on Friday 20 January.
"We are committed to tackling cycle theft across London"
Officers were looking for a red Specialized Allez bike, which had been reported stolen on 11 January in Islington.
During the search officers found the stolen red Specialized bike, along with nine additional bikes, all believed to be stolen.
In total, four of the ten bikes - with a combined value of (£2900), have been confirmed as stolen and will be returned to their rightful owners. Enquiries to establish if the remaining six bikes are stolen are ongoing.
Two men, both aged 22 years, were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. They have been bailed to return to police in March.
Cycle Task Force Inspector Peter Salter, said: "Following our investigations into the online sales of stolen bikes, four bikes will be returned to their rightful owners. "We are committed to tackling cycle theft across London and will continue to help cyclists, through both education and enforcement, by catching bike thieves, security marking bicycles and reuniting people with heir stolen bikes.
"If you are a victim of bike theft and you suspect your bike is being sold, do not arrange to meet the seller, contact the police, quoting your crime reference number."