Ten bicycles were reported stolen in the last two days according to Brownwood Police reports. Officials state that although these incidents, which were reported on June 27 and 28, are not considered related, some are thought to have been preventable.
Most of the thefts were from individual bicycles left unattended and in vulnerable areas, such as the front yard of a residence or along the street. However, one incident that occurred was at a business, The Bike Peddler at 1017 Austin Avenue. It was burglarized in the early hours of Tuesday morning and four bicycles were taken.
“In plain sight, on Austin Avenue, the culprits broke in the front door under the lighted canopy to gain access to the store,” stated owner Vonne Cornett. “4 BMX bikes in the front showroom were taken.”
Captain Gregg Woodcox of the Brownwood Fire Department was just off duty Tuesday morning and passed by the shop when he noticed the front door wide open. Woodcox notified Cornett immediately and then called the police.
Cornett stated that she is amazed that these thieves are able to target her shop and get away with merchandise on one of Brownwood’s busiest streets.
“This has happened 7 times since we first opened, and never has anyone been caught or merchandise returned,” said Cornett. “I guess we were pretty lucky this time even though the value of merchandise stolen is significant, prior robberies were much worse.”
Locations of the other thefts include the 1800 block of Avenue K, 100 block of Greenleaf, 1600 block of Melwood, Coggin Park, and the 2400 block of Avenue D.
Brownwood’s Crime Prevention Officer Chandra Means explained that summer is the peak time when bicycle theft occurs.
“In the summertime, kids are roaming around, they get hot and sweaty, find a bike laying there and pick it up and ride it home, then abandon it,” stated Means.
Some thefts are not reported because the owner of the bike doesn’t believe their bicycle will be recovered according to Means. She explained that many bicycle thefts can be avoided by keeping bikes secured.
“Brownwood Police Department offers a bicycle registration. At least write down the serial number (so that it can be identified if recovered) or better yet lock them up,” said Means. “Don’t leave your bike or you may lose it; have a friend watch it even if you are just running into a convenience store.”
The Brownwood Police Department encourages all bicycle owners to register bicycles in case they are lost or stolen so that they can be identified. If recovered by police, they can be claimed by the proper owner. Visit the Brownwood Municipal Police Association’s website and fill out the online form or visit the Brownwood Police Department at 1050 W. Commerce in the Law Enforcement Center.
