“Knew Exactly What They Wanted to Take” – Cycling Advocate Enraged After Bicycles Worth $20,000 Slip from Non-profit Bike Shop

A substantial blow has been dealt to the Windsor Bike Kitchen. A community-focused initiative, as thieves made off with nearly $20,000 worth of bicycles. The incident has prompted the executive director, Lori Newton, to rally the Windsor community. Local law enforcement is set to adopt innovative technologies to combat bike theft.

Newton received a disheartening phone call at 8:30 a.m. on a Saturday, which marked the day of the bike kitchen’s relocation to its new premises on Walker Road. Upon returning to the site, she was shocked to find that 20 bikes had been stolen, and there was a broken window and an open garage.

Bicycles stolen from a non-profit community

Newton found it unsettling that the thieves seemed to have a discerning eye. They ignored the cheaper bikes and instead targeted the most expensive models, including two belonging to customers. To gain entry, they smashed a small window on the bike kitchen door with a piece of tile. They then quietly moved the bikes, presumably onto a truck or trailer, before leaving through the garage door.

In Newton’s assessment, the precision with which they selected the bikes indicated that the culprits were experts who had scouted the premises in advance. Unfortunately, the thieves left behind tools and even a donation box after stealing from the bike kitchen. It is regrettable that the surveillance cameras on the premises were non-operational at the time of the theft. Currently, efforts are being made to acquire any security footage from neighboring properties that may aid the police in their investigation.

To thwart future thefts, the bike kitchen will enhance security measures at its new location, focusing on door locks and camera systems.

It is unfortunate to report that the bike kitchen has experienced its first security breach in the past seven years. Fortunately, the repair station in the shop was not tampered with. However, some of the stolen bikes have been identified on Facebook Marketplace, and the tags from the missing bikes have been found scattered in the surrounding area.

Is there still a chance to get those bikes back?

Newton is encouraging the Windsor police to adopt the 529 Garage app, already in use in several other cities. The app allows cyclists to register their bikes and enables potential buyers to check the registry for stolen bikes. It has proven effective in returning stolen bicycles to their rightful owners.

In addition to using technology, Newton advises bike owners to invest in robust, high-quality bike locks. Thus, emphasizing the importance of a sturdy lock to safeguard their valuable bikes. She also encourages the community to support local bike shops that maintain records of customers’ bicycles.

Also Read: After Overcoming Anxiety-Induced Eczema Through Cycling, an Ireland-Based Man Prepares to Pedal for a Noble Cause

Despite the distressing setback, Newton expressed gratitude for the resilience of the Bike Kitchen community and the outpouring of support from over 30 volunteers who came together to aid in the relocation. This show of unity has provided a glimmer of positivity amid challenging circumstances.

The Windsor Bike Kitchen theft serves as a stark reminder of the need to adopt modern tools and techniques to combat bike theft, protecting both the property and the passion of cycling enthusiasts in the community.

Watch this story: At 104 Chicagos Fearless Dorothy Hoffner Skydives Into the Record Books Then Gracefully Exits the Stage