Recovery Description

• Leaving my apartment on Sunday morning, I was angry and disappointed to find that my bike had been stolen overnight, despite being locked to the bike rack out front with a Kryptonite lock and cable. Through some online sleuthing, on Wednesday afternoon I found my bike listed for sale on Gumtree, from the premises of a convenience shop located not 0.3 of a mile from my apartment! • I called the seller listed on Gumtree posing as an interested buyer, and arranged to visit the shop that evening. Upon arrival, the seller brought several bikes from the back of the shop, and there it was! My beloved Specialised Allez (minus the lock and mudguards). I made my excuse to leave (asking where the nearest cash machine was), before making my way outside and calling the Police. After what felt like forever, two police officers arrived, and I briefed them on the situation. They went inside and questioned the seller. Following their questioning, they brought me in, checked my credentials and bike registration etc. before issuing the seller with an informal warning and returning my bike to me! • Overall a happy ending, but somewhat unsatisfactory as the seller got off lightly, and the actual thief or thieves presumably remain at large.