Man charged with theft of over 60 bikes from stairs and sheds in Edinburgh

Police in Edinburgh have arrested and charged a man following the theft of over 60 bicycles.

An initiative dedicated to tackling bike theft called Operation Parameter helped to find the 41-year-old who was arrested in August this year in connection with trying to sell a stolen bike online.

Edinburgh’s Community Investigation Unit (CIU) arrested him at a flat in the Saughton area on 27 November.

He has now been charged with the theft of 62 pedal bikes, collectively worth over £30,000, which were stolen from common stairwells and outbuildings across the city.

A total of 31 bikes, collectively worth over £14,000, have so far been recovered by police and returned to their rightful owners.

Detective Inspector Bob Campbell of Edinburgh’s CIU said: “Over half a million bikes are stolen across the UK each year, with more than half of these taken from the owner’s property.

“Edinburgh’s Search & Recovery Team (SART) and CIU work tirelessly to find and recover stolen property and bring those responsible for these thefts before the courts.

“However, I’d urge cyclists to remain vigilant and leave their bikes in a secured area, wherever possible, always ensuring that these are locked to an immovable object with a good quality lock.

“Contact Police Scotland via 101 to report any suspicious behaviour, noting the descriptions of any persons or vehicles involved, and always dial 999 if you see a crime ongoing.

“I also want to take this opportunity to remind those buying second-hand bikes online to ensure that the seller can provide proof of ownership.

“If you purchase a stolen bike, knowingly or otherwise, this can be recovered by police at any time and returned to it’s rightful owner.”

The man is due to appear at court at a later date.