"Bait Bike" Police Program In Campbell Nets 2 Arrests

CAMPBELL - A Campbell police program designed to attack the growing problem of stolen bicycles made two arrests in the last week.

The "Bait Bike" program was created to address Campbell bicycle thefts. Campbell police say in 2015, over 90 bikes were stolen in Campbell, resulting in losses totaling more than $75,000.

Police say the the “Bait Bike” is placed in targeted locations at various times throughout the City of Campbell.

The locations are both where large numbers of bicycle thefts have occurred as well as areas which have experienced other thefts and burglaries, according to Campbell police.

When the bicycle is moved, police say officers are alerted to the activation, and respond to locate the bike and the individual who is in possession of it.

The “Bait Bike” bicycle is valued at more than $1,000, making it a felony charge if the person caught is convicted.

“The Campbell Police Department seeks innovative approaches to crime reduction. We don’t want to just arrest people for thefts, we want to prevent them from occurring” said Captain Gary Berg.

In the last week, police say two suspects have been arrested for stealing the “Bait Bike.”

42-year-old San Jose resident Faustino Martinez was arrested on Saturday, May 21st.

24-year-old Rey Ziranda, also a San Jose resident, was arrested on Tuesday, May 24th, according to authorities.

Both suspects were booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail for grand theft.

Campbell police say if your bike is stolen, it's very important to file a report so that officers can identify patterns or trends in thefts and deploy the “Bait Bike” in the most effective way possible.

Police say bicycles and bicycle parts are in high demand, and thieves are well-equipped and organized.

Here are tips Campbell police have provided to reduce the chance of your bicycle being stolen:

• Always lock your bicycle (through the frame and both wheels) to a solid metal object. If a bike rack isn’t available, use a permanently mounted metal pole or other immovable object.
• Use a quality lock - avoid using lightweight cables or chains, or low quality U-locks.
• Lock all free parts of bike or take them with you.
• Avoid leaving your bicycle locked outside overnight.
• Before leaving your bicycle, give the lock a tug to ensure it is secured.

-image via Campbell police