A funny thing happened to me yesterday
Discussion
I'm selling a bike on ebay at the moment.
Yesterday I got a call from a DC at the Met asking about the bike and would it be OK to come and look at it, someone had identified it as possibly a bike they'd had stolen due to certain features / accessories. The only addition I've made to the bike is a branded water bottle but other than that I had no issue.
I did the usual check as advised by the DC although I didn't realise dialing 101 identified your location. I only had the option of Essex or Herts police (I was in Cheshunt), and after explaining the story to both of them they decided to transfer me to the Met.
Went through the story 3 times to the person who answered the phone.
"So your bike's been stolen"
No, I have my bike, someone else's bike has been stolen. I'm selling one.
"So why do you want to speak to DC....."
Anyway, arranged for them to come over last night. They were actually here when I got home from work although I was expecting a call first. They'd also brought the guy who's bike had been stolen which I was a bit unsure about, expecting "Oh yeah, that's definitely my bike"
So glad I could find the receipt for the bike!
Interestingly someone on ebay asked to look at the bike and I said call me later.
Turned out his actual first name was the same as the DC's surname which caused me some confusion.
I just wish the police had done this when I had my bike stolen. I also identified a bike for sale (using a stock photo) in the area and that the same guy had sold up to 10 bikes in recent weeks using different names (one female) and the same mobile no.
Yesterday I got a call from a DC at the Met asking about the bike and would it be OK to come and look at it, someone had identified it as possibly a bike they'd had stolen due to certain features / accessories. The only addition I've made to the bike is a branded water bottle but other than that I had no issue.
I did the usual check as advised by the DC although I didn't realise dialing 101 identified your location. I only had the option of Essex or Herts police (I was in Cheshunt), and after explaining the story to both of them they decided to transfer me to the Met.
Went through the story 3 times to the person who answered the phone.
"So your bike's been stolen"
No, I have my bike, someone else's bike has been stolen. I'm selling one.
"So why do you want to speak to DC....."
Anyway, arranged for them to come over last night. They were actually here when I got home from work although I was expecting a call first. They'd also brought the guy who's bike had been stolen which I was a bit unsure about, expecting "Oh yeah, that's definitely my bike"
So glad I could find the receipt for the bike!
Interestingly someone on ebay asked to look at the bike and I said call me later.
Turned out his actual first name was the same as the DC's surname which caused me some confusion.
I just wish the police had done this when I had my bike stolen. I also identified a bike for sale (using a stock photo) in the area and that the same guy had sold up to 10 bikes in recent weeks using different names (one female) and the same mobile no.
We do try.
It's always a nightmare when people phone up an say 'I've found my bike on ebay/gumtree!" I remember one where she was adamant that it was her bike - apart from it was the wrong make, age, size and frame style from that she initially reported......
We have jumped on a few people selling identifiably stolen bikes. That's always a laugh.
Take note of those frame numbers and get good photos people! Keep reciepts for bikes you've bought!
It's always a nightmare when people phone up an say 'I've found my bike on ebay/gumtree!" I remember one where she was adamant that it was her bike - apart from it was the wrong make, age, size and frame style from that she initially reported......
We have jumped on a few people selling identifiably stolen bikes. That's always a laugh.
Take note of those frame numbers and get good photos people! Keep reciepts for bikes you've bought!
Watchman said:
This thread vindicates my decision to only buy new bikes. I know I could have had a better 2nd hand bike for the same money but I have receipts and none of this nonsense in my future.
Or buy a second hand bike with evidence of ownership from the seller? There are plenty of legitimate sellers looking to upgrade etc. Like buying a second hand car, a bit of common sense will keep you safe.It does annoy me that some people fail to connect their wish to buy "cheap" bikes from gumtree, with bike thefts. Supply will be there to meet demand, afterall.
Watchman said:
This thread vindicates my decision to only buy new bikes. I know I could have had a better 2nd hand bike for the same money but I have receipts and none of this nonsense in my future.
Absolutely, a number of friends buy Brick Lane bikes and then complain about having their bikes nicked
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