bought a stolen bike
09-30-10, 01:02 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
bought a stolen bike
I just bought a bike of Craigslist and after checking the registry I know it's stolen. I've contacted the owner and called the police - and am waiting for things to progress. I doubt that the police will be able to get anything on the people I bought it from (They'll just talk some crap about how they bought it and didn't steal it). So, basically I want to do the right thing - and return the bike. But I'm the one getting screwed here. The thieves will be up $400, and I'll likely get $100 back or so from the owner. Hopefully the karma is worth $300. I wouldn't mind it so much if I weren't in grad school with a lack of money. Hopefully the karma is worth $300. I guess I'd appreciate your thoughts on the situation.
09-30-10, 02:27 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: New York City
Posts: 875
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I just bought a bike of Craigslist and after checking the registry I know it's stolen. I've contacted the owner and called the police - and am waiting for things to progress. I doubt that the police will be able to get anything on the people I bought it from (They'll just talk some crap about how they bought it and didn't steal it). So, basically I want to do the right thing - and return the bike. But I'm the one getting screwed here. The thieves will be up $400, and I'll likely get $100 back or so from the owner. Hopefully the karma is worth $300. I wouldn't mind it so much if I weren't in grad school with a lack of money. Hopefully the karma is worth $300. I guess I'd appreciate your thoughts on the situation.
09-30-10, 03:32 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Outside..somewhere
Posts: 433
Bikes: Fuji, Specialized, Cannondale, Columbia
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Depending on what state you are in the PD may be able to go after the person(s) who sold it to you such as "possession of stolen property". Of course you will have to provide that you purchased it from them. Then if that goes well pursue them in small claims court. In any event you did do the right thing. A big PLUS 1 for you.
09-30-10, 03:44 PM
#5
Every day a winding road
I'd explain the situation to the owner. Maybe he/she will do the right thing and split the difference with you.
09-30-10, 07:36 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Syracuse, NY
Posts: 809
Bikes: 2010 Felt F5, 2010 Dawes SST-AL
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
you're doing the right thing, never mind the value of karma, how about the value of a clear conscience? And if that isn't enough, how about if you were seen with said stolen bike and then accused of it (possession of stolen property)
$300 lost is $300 well spent IMO.
$300 lost is $300 well spent IMO.
09-30-10, 11:59 PM
#7
Cycle Year Round
Depending on what state you are in the PD may be able to go after the person(s) who sold it to you such as "possession of stolen property". Of course you will have to provide that you purchased it from them. Then if that goes well pursue them in small claims court. In any event you did do the right thing. A big PLUS 1 for you.
__________________
Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.
Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.
10-01-10, 03:48 AM
#8
Older than dirt
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Winchester, VA
Posts: 5,342
Bikes: Too darn many.. latest count is 11
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
If the PD arrests the seller work with the States Attorneys office doing the prosecution to make sure that reimbursing you is a part of restitution.
I went through something similar with eBay and a stolen item. Got my $ back, but I'll admit it took a year.
That said, kudos to you for doing the right thing.
I went through something similar with eBay and a stolen item. Got my $ back, but I'll admit it took a year.
That said, kudos to you for doing the right thing.
10-01-10, 04:24 AM
#9
CRIKEY!!!!!!!
Join Date: May 2005
Location: all the way down under
Posts: 4,276
Bikes: several
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1589 Post(s)
Liked 687 Times
in
365 Posts
Don't get the cops involved, go visit the seller with a crowbar and threaten to kneecap them if they don't give you your money back plus another hundred for your troubles.... after they pay up, kneecap them anyway, they have it coming.
10-01-10, 05:06 AM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,157
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
If the PD arrests the seller work with the States Attorneys office doing the prosecution to make sure that reimbursing you is a part of restitution.
I went through something similar with eBay and a stolen item. Got my $ back, but I'll admit it took a year.
That said, kudos to you for doing the right thing.
I went through something similar with eBay and a stolen item. Got my $ back, but I'll admit it took a year.
That said, kudos to you for doing the right thing.
10-01-10, 05:31 AM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Posts: 2,470
Bikes: Surly Long Haul Trucker, Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, Dahon Mu P 24 , Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Rodriguez Tandem, Wheeler MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 32 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Good job, good karma is price less and lasts much longer than 300 bucks will.
10-01-10, 01:40 PM
#12
Senior Member
That's a good thing you've done! By the way, there were a few times when someone advertised bikes for sale (some with pictures), they said they had "just" bought the bike, but when I inquire about the model, they say they don't know what model it is. Sounds fishy?
10-01-10, 05:00 PM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Long Beach,CA
Posts: 1,410
Bikes: Kona Ute, Nishiki 4130, Trek 7000, K2 Mach 1.0, Novara Randonee, Schwinn Loop, K2 Zed 1.0, Schwinn Cream, Torker Boardwalk
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
10-04-10, 08:43 AM
#14
Cycle Dallas
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Land of Gar, TX
Posts: 3,777
Bikes: Dulcinea--2017 Kona Rove & a few others
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 197 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
5 Posts
OP - Damn good thing you did. What goes around, comes around. I really think you'll regain more than you lost.
And the crowbar post made me laugh.
And the crowbar post made me laugh.
10-04-10, 10:11 AM
#15
Motorcycle RoadRacer
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,826
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
I think that was a good move on your part. All of us who deal in used bikes, especially off of CL and ebay have to be aware of this problem.
Question, when getting a used bike how does one go about checking to see if it is stolen or not for sure?
I have been hitting the CL and ebay for bikes..
Question, when getting a used bike how does one go about checking to see if it is stolen or not for sure?
I have been hitting the CL and ebay for bikes..
10-04-10, 10:15 AM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,737
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 147 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
8 Posts
The owner will appreciate having his bike returned and you will be compensated for the loss.
That bike belonged to someone who missed it.
Very few people ever get what's rightfully theirs restored to them.
You have made a real difference in someone's life already!
That bike belonged to someone who missed it.
Very few people ever get what's rightfully theirs restored to them.
You have made a real difference in someone's life already!
10-04-10, 08:17 PM
#18
well hello there
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Point Loma, CA
Posts: 15,430
Bikes: Bill Holland (Road-Ti), Fuji Roubaix Pro (back-up), Bike Friday (folder), Co-Motion (tandem) & Trek 750 (hybrid)
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 503 Post(s)
Liked 336 Times
in
206 Posts
I like hearing stories about honest people for a change. It maddens me every time I hear that someone got another bike stolen.
Good job landers!
Good job landers!
__________________
.
.
Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
.
.
Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
10-06-10, 07:03 AM
#20
DancesWithSUVs
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Griffin Cycle Bethesda,MD
Posts: 6,983
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Maybe take the seller to small claims court to get your money back?
__________________
C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
10-06-10, 09:42 AM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 8,550
Bikes: Wilier Izoard XP (Record);Cinelli Xperience (Force);Specialized Allez (Rival);Bianchi Via Nirone 7 (Centaur); Colnago AC-R Disc;Colnago V1r Limited Edition;De Rosa King 3 Limited(Force 22);DeRosa Merak(Red):Pinarello Dogma 65.1 Hydro(Di2)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 551 Post(s)
Liked 277 Times
in
145 Posts
Great stuff, man! You did the right thing! 
10-06-10, 12:07 PM
#22
Senior Member
https://www.unionleader.com/article.a...3-74e72c129c9b
Another story of a stolen bike being found on Craigslist.
Another story of a stolen bike being found on Craigslist.
10-06-10, 12:25 PM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Simcoe County, Ontario
Posts: 189
Bikes: Steve Bauer Sirocco "Steve", Kawasaki Sumo 4.0 Fatbike "Black Betty", Retrospec Amok-16 "Rocinante/Veronica"
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Good man for checking that out and getting the bike back to it's original owner!
Your side of the situation sucks, hope you get fully compensated, but at least you know that you've done a good thing and given someone back their bike!
Your side of the situation sucks, hope you get fully compensated, but at least you know that you've done a good thing and given someone back their bike!
10-07-10, 07:47 AM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: 'burbs of Ottawa ON Canada
Posts: 173
Bikes: Marin Larkspur / Giant Defy Alliance 1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Kudos to you for doing the right thing.
Depending on where you live you would have every right to go after the sellers for a full refund as you can't sell what doesn't belong to you (they could not enter into into a binding contract) and (unlikely the police would lay charges and/or district/crown attorneys prosecute this) possession of and selling stolen property is a criminal offence.
Depending on where you live you would have every right to go after the sellers for a full refund as you can't sell what doesn't belong to you (they could not enter into into a binding contract) and (unlikely the police would lay charges and/or district/crown attorneys prosecute this) possession of and selling stolen property is a criminal offence.
