LB Bike Thieves Caught
Thread started by
Ed at 08.13.10 - 3:29 pm
http://www.lbreport.com/news/aug10/bikethft.htm
(Aug. 13, 2010) -- Aided in one case by a Pine Ave/5th St. homeowners group, which distributed fliers after their condo parking structure was victimized by several bike thefts, and in another case by an observant patroling cop, LBPD has announced the arrest of two bicycle theft suspects, against whom the L.A. County District Attorney's office has filed ten felony counts.
In a release, LBPD says that on July 31, LBPD arrested a male adult "after proactive actions were taken by community members to identify a bicycle theft suspect."
After several bike thefts from a condominium parking structure in the area of 5th Street and Pine Avenue, the homeowners association distributed flyers throughout the complex describing the trend of thefts and a photo of an individual caught on video from their surveillance camera believed to be involved in the thefts.
A few days later, an alert resident returning home noticed a male subject they recognized from the flyer enter the structure, and immediately called police. Police officers aware of the reoccurring thefts arrived quickly and arrested 35-year-old Mark Esley Shields for residential burglary, petty theft with a prior, and possession of burglary tools.
Additionally, on August 7, 2010, at approximately 7:00 a.m., a South Division patrol officer noticed a male subject committing several violations while riding a bike in the area of Pacific Avenue and 12th Street. The officer, also noticing he was riding a woman’s bike, made contact with the subject and questioned him on its ownership. The officer discovered that the subject was on probation for theft and further investigation resulted in the officer determining that several items found in the subject’s possession, including the bike, were stolen.
The subject, identified as 25-year-old Justin Wosick of Long Beach, was arrested for residential burglary, petty theft, and possession of marijuana. The stolen property was returned to its rightful owners.
On August 5, 2010, detectives from the Burglary Detail presented the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, who filed eight felony counts of against Defendant Shields. On August 10, 2010, the Wosick case was also presented and two felony counts were filed. These individuals may also be responsible for other similar crimes and the investigation remains ongoing.
LBPD adds: "These arrests are a good example of citizens, officers and detectives working together to outsmart criminals and impact crime. Residents are encouraged to always be aware of what is taking place in their neighborhoods, and to report any suspicious persons or activity immediately by calling 9-1-1."
The Department notes: "The theft of a bike can be more than stealing someone's recreation; for some it is their sole method of transportation. The L.B.P.D. strongly encourages residents to properly secure their bicycles using a "U" style lock, which is harder to cut through, and to register their bicycles by visiting any Long Beach Fire station on Saturday or Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m."
LBPD says it will continue "to actively pursue bicycle thieves and follow-up on information received from the community." Anyone with questions regarding bike theft can contact the LBPD’s Burglary Detail at (562) 570-7351.
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