Help End Serial Bike Thief’s Spree (Video)

SARASOTA, FL — The Sarasota Police Department is asking residents for help identifying a man who is believed to be responsible for a string of recent bicycle thefts in the city. The man has been caught on camera multiple times, but his identity remains unknown.

According to the agency, the spree began on April 22 when two specialized bicycles were stolen from the 1770 block of Ringling Boulevard. The next theft occurred on May 15, also in the 1770 block of Ringling Boulevard. In the second burglary, police say several storage units were broken into and a Trek 4300 men’s silver mountain bike was stolen.

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All was quiet for a few days, police say, but the spree picked back up again on May 25. At that time, officers received a report about two bikes stolen from the 700 block of South Gulfstream Avenue. The victim told police that someone entered the parking garage, cut the lock around both bicycles and took off with them.

The most recent crime in the spree unfolded in the 700 block of South Palm Avenue on May 28. In that case, an 18-speed bike with a red frame was swiped.

Anyone with information about the man’s identity is asked to call Det. Kim Laster at 941-364-7327. Tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or by going online to www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.

The bike thief, police say, is believed to still be in the area.

Residents can protect themselves from bicycle theft by taking the following advice:

• Register bikes and their serial numbers with the police department by visiting www.SarasotaPD.org
• Make sure to select high-quality locks to secure bikes with
• Never leave an unattended bicycle unlocked

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Screenshot and video courtesy of the Sarasota Police Department