Dozens of stolen bikes are now in the hands of police after surveillance video helped catch the thieves.
Carlsbad police said they discovered the bikes on May 1 and May 5 as part of an ongoing investigation into bicycle thefts.
When they searched two residences in downtown Carlsbad, officers said they found what appeared to be 35 stolen bicycles and other bike parts.
One resident at Arbors Apartment complex in Carlsbad said his was one of the stolen.
That residence has close to a dozen cameras behind the gate.
A week ago, those cameras recorded the theft in the community he lives in, and took his bike from inside.
"And it was all done in about five minutes and they came peddling out on my bike," said Michael Galindo, talking about the incident that happened nearly a week ago.
The incident itself was quick, but was part of a larger investigation into bike theft in the area.
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"We believe there is a strong connection between street level narcotics use and and the theft of these bikes,” Lt. Peter Pascual said.
He said the people in that video led investigators to a home in Downtown Carlsbad on Monday where they arrested five people on drug related charges.
Then, officers searched inside that home.
"It's a residence that was just full of bikes, 35 plus bikes with numerous bicycle parts strewn throughout the residence,” Pascual said.
Most of those bikes are now sitting at the Carlsbad police department, waiting to be claimed.
Michael Galindo now has his bike back.
"Really good, really good to have it back a little bit spray painted, but it'll be a project for me,” Galindo said.
Police are not releasing pictures of the bikes to make sure they are claimed by their proper owners. If you believe your bike was among the stolen, call Carlsbad Police at 9760) 931-2197.
