Gulfport Police Catch Alleged Bike Thief Red Handed

The Gulfport Police Department is reminding residents to register their bikes and make sure they're properly secured with locks. This after officers caught someone with a reportedly stolen bike Monday morning, according to police.

According to the Gulfport Police Department's Facebook page, officers spotted a juvenile riding on a bike just before 2 a.m. Monday, Jun 10.

They were conducting a "decoy operation" in an attempt to apprehend bike thieves.

"Although the detectives did not apprehend a suspect with the bait bike, they made contact with a suspicious juvenile at 1:51 a.m. The juvenile was riding one bike, but holding on to another while riding," according to the post.

According to police, detectives questioned him and found that he allegedly stole the bike from the 5700 block of 18th Ave S. The bike was returned to it's owner and detectives are now forwarding charges to the State's Attorney's Office, according to the post.

Due to the juvenile's age, his name will not be released.

"Bike theft is one of the most common thefts within the city of Gulfport. Residents should keep their bikes secured with locks whenever a bike is stored or left outside. Residents are encouraged to register their bikes with the police department, as it can aid in identifying bikes that are stolen," according to the post.

In a previous Patch article, Michelle Bushoven, sales manager at ABC Bicycles at 6633 Central Ave. in St Petersburg, shared tips on how to protect your bike.

“The toughest lock you are going to get is a U-Lock,” Bushoven said. “There are very large chains also available. A lot of U-Lock manufacturers have antitheft clauses, should you choose to sign up with them.”

“They really back up their products,” she added.

U-Locks are affordable protection and can vary from $20 to more than $100, depending on shackle length and strength. 

“The more you lock it up and the more it’s locked up tight,” Bushoven said, “it tends to make people go the other way, if it’s difficult to get in to it,” she told Patch.

For more information about the bike registration program for the City of Gulfport, call (727) 893-1000 or contact www.mygulfport.us. The Gulfport Police Department is located at 2401 53rd St. South.

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