[jbren505 offline]

Last November I came down to Florida from where I live in NY with my Jamis Dakar full suspension XC bike. I was only here in Florida one day when my bike was stolen out of the back of my truck. I should have locked it up, but it was parked in a gated community, I assumed no one would steal it. I was wrong. I was really pissed off too because I was up at 7am and going to go for a ride in a trail I found on Singletracks, and I was psyched and on vacation. When I saw my bike was stolen I jogged all around the community looking for it and talking to everyone I saw, I called the police department too. A Sheriff came by and took a police report from me. No Luck. After a few hours I went inside and logged on to Singletracks.com and made up a posting topic about my bike getting stolen and described it so good people could look out for it around Florida. After two months I completely gave up hope, and I was checking with the pawn shops around and ebay and all over the internet every week.
Well, last September I got an email from the Sabastian Police department, they had my bike! Someone turned it in as found property and they were trying to claim it. The police searched the internet for the make and model of the bike and, lo and behold, they found my posting on Singletracks.com!!! They held the bike for me. Now, I finally got myself back down to Florida to pick it up today! So, I have my bike back. The police told me when he gave it to me, that he searched the police records and the sheriff never ever filed the report!! I'm not surprised at all, at the time I was joking with my brother about how the sheriff probably just 'filed' my report in the trash can. Guess what, he did. So, I only got my bike back because of the posting I did on Singletracks.com!!! And, I couldn't be happier! besides a few new dings and some rust on the chain, I'm going to ride this bike for years to come, and I'm going to lock it from now on!!!

[schwim offline]

Man, that's awesome! It's not often that you hear about someone getting their goods back.

As a born and raised Floridian, I can tell you that regardless of it's value, if you don't want it stolen, lock it up. Then, lock that locked up item in a room. Then build some fence around it. Then buy a gun. After following this advice, you will only have a 50/50 chance of losing it.

[slipfinger offline]

Great news jbren505.

It's always nice to hear about a positive outcome when it comes to stolen property being returned/found. What makes this story even better is the fact you had it returned after such an extended period of time.

Ride and enjoy it like you just bought it

[Bonsai-CP offline]

As mentioned in the SE Forum Board......Just awesome for this unification!

As per the Deputy Sheriff, it does not surprise me. Lazy and pathetic bums!

The good Lord chose for you to have this steed back for whatever reason, and He made it happen in His way, so many thanks to be had here in this case.

[mtbgreg1 offline]

Singletracks WIN!

That's awesome dude... such a blessing!

[jeff]

Great news, smart thinking to post online! I'm taking pics of my new bike right now and writing down the SN so I can do the same thing in case my rig ever gets stolen.

[GALAXY offline]

I remember that thread,took awhile but that's awesome you got it back!

[jamis29er offline]

[quote][quote="Bonsai-CP"]As per the Deputy Sheriff, it does not surprise me. Lazy and pathetic bums!

Let's be fair here,one lazy and pathetic bum does not condemn all.

Awesome that you got your ride back!

I hope you thanked the cop who took the time to search the internet for any leads into the stolen property then contacted you.

[Funrover offline]

Glad you got the bike back, that is a crazy story!

[Bonsai-CP offline]

Let's be fair here,one lazy and pathetic bum does not condemn all.

You do not live here in FL bro, and sad to say, most cops here are lazy.

[mtbgreg1 offline]

Jamis29er makes a good point: the police officer that took the time to do an internet search and get the bike back doesn't seem lazy at all, and he's from Florida...

[Bonsai-CP offline]

Jamis29er makes a good point: the police officer that took the time to do an internet search and get the bike back doesn't seem lazy at all, and he's from Florida...

I understand what he meant bro. I am talking about the Deputy or other words street patrols that do not do their job due to being just plain lazy. I know most of the Officers in Sebastian, so I can vouch for them, though some of them are lazy as well. I live just 25 miles north of Sebastian bro. I also work very close with law enforcement here in my area, and have been for over 20 years to date.

Cops here in FL rarely follow up on stolen bikes, alone file any form of report on a stolen bike. Yes, there are a few Officers still left that do their job they are paid and sworn in to do.

I am just stoked he did get it back in one piece!

[maddslacker offline]

When I was a police dispatcher, the cops mostly surfed porn and fleeced the tourists running red lights or speeding on the main street through town.

[Bonsai-CP offline]

When I was a police dispatcher, the cops mostly surfed porn and fleeced the tourists running red lights or speeding on the main street through town.

Too funny....

[CFM offline]

Amazing story! Chalk one up for the good guys.