Carlsbad Police Looking to Reunite Owners With Their Stolen Bikes

Officers believe there may be a link between the bike theft and drug crimes in the area.

Carlsbad residents had a chance to look at 35 recovered bicycles during a viewing Saturday at the Carlsbad Police Department.

The dozens of stolen bikes were recovered at the start of May after an ongoing investigation into bicycle thefts. 

Residents came by the department from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. during a public viewing to look at the bikes. Police said they hoped to return the stolen bikes to their owners.

Police said they recovered the bikes and other bike parts after they searched two residences in downtown Carlsbad.

Security footage helped capture the thieves, who police arrested in May. 

"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 a surveillance video led investigators to a home in Downtown Carlsbad, 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.

If a resident believes a bike is theirs, they will be required to fill out paperwork as a part of the process. A photo I.D., stolen bicycle case numbers and/or Affidavit of Fact will be required before the bike can be returned. You can reach the Carlsbad Police at (760) 931-2197. 

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