Stolen Bikes? Not sure.

I hesitated to post this in the case that this person is a legitimate seller. But something seemed suspicious. I browse craigslist bikes all the time for fun, and noticed a bunch of nice frames for sale, all listed as in the "North Side". Checking the 'reply' button I saw the same phone number for all of them but different names. The bikes themselves are also different sizes.

here's a list of the links:

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/bik/5691140444.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/bik/5691142253.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/bik/5691114650.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/bik/5691111459.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/bik/5691112712.html

...and a few more!

I will have to apologize if this is a legitimate seller, but it seemed weird enough to raise a flag!

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mike Schwab on July 20, 2016 at 5:56am

It is all the same red van, same blue sleeping bag.

Three photos reveal IL 'S12 6504', pink expiration sticker. Red Chevrolet Astro Van.

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Permalink Reply by Sydney Barton on July 21, 2016 at 2:04am

There is also someone I've been watching selling a lot of bikes (only 4 right now) mostly Trek or higher-end brands. The turnover is pretty quick. He lists different locations, i.e., Niles, Morton Grove, Skokie. He misspells the word response in his descriptions. http://chicago.craigslist.org/search/bik?query=responce

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Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on July 21, 2016 at 8:28am

I copied the text of this post and sent it to the 25th District Police station. Maybe that will get this nefarious creature off the streets and to not steal bikes.

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Permalink Reply by Alex on July 21, 2016 at 8:57am

I'm glad other people agree that it's fishy, validating my concerns.

I'd still like to reiterate, on the chance that the seller is innocent...and I hope they are...hope nothing severe happens.

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Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on July 21, 2016 at 9:06am

I posted it out there with a hope that if they are stolen, word will get out and the owners of the bikes might recognize their bike and be able to recover it. I don't think people would do anything severe to them either way - usually best to involve the police once the stolen bike is found.

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Permalink Reply by Shawna Carter on July 21, 2016 at 10:29am

I posted in the Edge Athlete Lounge members page. Lots of riders/triathletes. We also have a few cops that took notice.

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Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on July 21, 2016 at 10:35am

Thanks Shawna!

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Permalink Reply by Steve G on July 22, 2016 at 5:49am

There are two names only, Mike and Salo. They show their license plate in photos. I don't see this as suspicious.

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Permalink Reply by Alex on July 22, 2016 at 6:47am

There were actually 3 names previously, I don't remember the last one. Like I said, there are reasons to believe it to be suspicious, and other reasons it might be innocent and legitimate.