Bargain-hunters warned over stolen bikes on sale
Crime Reporter CITY centre cops have warned bargain-hunters on the lookout for a new bike to check the sellers credentials – in case the cycle is stolen.
The warning from officers comes after a spike in bike thefts in the city over the last two months.
The Evening Times reported last week that thieves armed with bolt cutters have nicked dozens of bikes.
In the last two months, more than 60 bikes have been reported stolen. In one case, a bike worth £4000 was stolen.
Now officers are urging people in the market for a new bike, to think twice before purchasing an item which may be stolen.
Glasgow city centre area commander Chief Inspector Brian Gibson is cracking down on the bike thieves and their intent to sell on a stolen cycle.
He warned: “If you are buying a second-hand bike you need to be sensible and think about it. You don’t want to buy a stolen bike.”
Chief Inspector Gibson advised buyers to think about the circumstances in which the bike is being sold and highlighted some warning signs which could signal it has been stolen.
He said: “You have to think about the circumstances in which is bike is being sold. Is the seller wanting to meet you in a strange location and not identify the address?
“Has the sale been placed on social media and is it a very quick advert?
“Is the value of the bike representative, even at second hand price, of what that bike is worth?”
Chief Inspector Gibson also warned that thieves could approach you to sell a bike in a public place, pub or in the street.
He said: “If you are approached in a public place, a pub or in the street somewhere with an offer that is too good to be true, it could be stolen.
“Make sure you feel confident that person is the legitimate owner of the bike.
“Ask about any security markings or stickers on the bike and get the person to explain these if they can.”
He added: “You could become a victim because if you buy a stolen bike, you will end up losing it.
“The bike will be taken away and returned to the owner, and you may face prosecution if the circumstances are quite clear that it was bought under criminal intent.”