NYC stolen Bike sting targeting buyers

There was a NYT article about a sting operation targeting the potential market for stolen bikes.  I do not agree with the tactics used and would like to see more done to capture the thieves themselves.

 

I am glad there there is additional focus and scrutiny on those who purchase stolen bikes.  If there was not a market for the bikes than there would be less incentive for someone to take it.

 

I have friends who are of the opinion that it is ok to buy a bike even if you suspect that the seller obtained that bike from a thief.  In my opinion it is not acceptable, and if the price of a bike seems way too good to be true (such as $1000 bike for $20) than it should raise a red flag.  Buyer be ware? What do others thing of this?  

 

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/28/nyregion/bike-sting-in-east-villa...

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Permalink Reply by Mike Haring on July 28, 2011 at 3:31am
Wow.  I hate bike thieves as much as anyone, but this seems like a completely back-asswards way to go about it.  Instead of targeting actual thieves, they're just getting somewhat dishonest food deliverymen who would probably never think to steal a bike.  
Permalink Reply by milesperhour on July 28, 2011 at 3:50am

Back-asswards, yes, but my heart isn't exactly bleeding for the buyers.  The police told them it was a stolen good (although it's debatable if the immigrant understood).  They're making an example out of them to discourage the criminal act.  It seemed to work at discouraging the bike shops from buying stolen goods.  Unfortunately, this will only be temporary.

 

At least the police are doing something.

Permalink Reply by milesperhour on July 28, 2011 at 3:52am
Somewhat dishonest?  Buying a known stolen good is just as bad as stealing it yourself.

Mike Haring said:
Wow.  I hate bike thieves as much as anyone, but this seems like a completely back-asswards way to go about it.  Instead of targeting actual thieves, they're just getting somewhat dishonest food deliverymen who would probably never think to steal a bike.  
Permalink Reply by Mike Haring on July 28, 2011 at 3:58am
That's true.  I'm not trying to paint them as victims, but it's like those movie things where they say "You wouldn't steal a car... etc."  The police are not actually finding active bike thieves here, they are finding people who would be dishonest given the chance. 
Permalink Reply by Liz on July 28, 2011 at 4:07am

I agree.  Ignorance of the law or your actions is not an excuse to commit a crime.  I do think that reducing the market for stolen bikes is important to stopping the cycle of theft. 

 

This sort of sting would likely discourage people from buying the "one off" bikes stolen out of opprotunity.  I would doubt that larger bike theft opperations would sell bikes in this manner. 

milesperhour said:

Back-asswards, yes, but my heart isn't exactly bleeding for the buyers.  The police told them it was a stolen good (although it's debatable if the immigrant understood).  They're making an example out of them to discourage the criminal act.  It seemed to work at discouraging the bike shops from buying stolen goods.  Unfortunately, this will only be temporary.

 

At least the police are doing something.

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