Stolen family bikes

[Christowp]

Had an entertainment area invasion late last night, between midnight and 01h00. Alarm was not armed as a family member was not home yet. The intruders stole 4 much loved bikes which have been part of our regular activities. Nothing fancy, on the older side, but regular use bikes we lived with and enjoyed. The police basically indicated that these items are never recovered and suggested we get onto the insurance company as soon as we receive the case number from them.  

So where do these stolen items go to and where are they re-sold? There does seem to be a market and a network if the info people share is to be believed. Thankfully no family members were endangered and not much damage to the room structure from forced entry. We are saddened by the loss as we enjoyed the bikes and know it is going to be difficult to replace.  

Mixed feelings and emotions - sadness and anger and gratitude that no one hurt or injured. 

 

[Christowp]

Bikes taken: Giant SCR1 road bike, Genisis hybrid single speed commuter with Brookes saddle, Trek 6000 26er MTB and Varta Dutch "fiets" 

[Ncayi]

5 hours ago, Christowp said:

So where do these stolen items go to and where are they re-sold?

Sorry for your loss. I know how frustrating something like this can be because I have been a victim before.

From my limited knowledge of the underworld there could be a couple of possibilities. 

Most bike bikes similar to yours end up as a commuter bike. Frames are resprayed parts swapped around and someone has a bike to get from home to work and back. 

High end bikes usually cross the border as complete bikes or broken up and sold as parts locally or abroad.

Its basically a replica of the stolen car market but with less risk for the criminals. As long as there is a market bikes will continue to get stolen.

[RobertWhitehead]

My money is on commuter bikes, especially older models

[ChrisF]

Commuter mark seems the big market share.

 

There have also been lots of posts on BikeHub about stolen bikes that show up at the big brand pawn shops.  There was (possibly still is) a loop hole in the system.  The shop wont buy a product without proof of ownership, but they will provide a loan against it.  When the loan defaults in 30 days the product becomes their's to re-sell .... Takes about 6 weeks from theft until it lands on the sales floor.

 

By all accounts a real pain to PROVE ownership !!  Cops and insurance are not interested to follow this up ....

 

Sad reality is that it is going to cost a pretty penny to replace those bikes.