Two bicycle thieves appeared in court on Wednesday after a joint investigation between the owner and police. Hamilton Police want to remind the public to always record the serial number for their bicycle and to report it as soon as possible when lost or stolen.

On Saturday, July 13, 2019, at approximately 7:30 p.m., two males accessed the yard of a residence located in the area of East 16^th Street and South Bend Road East. They left a short time later taking with them two mountain bikes totalling $1600. During the course of the following three days, both suspects were identified through joint investigations by the owner and police.

On Tuesday, July 16, 2019, shortly after 1:00 p.m., police attended an address in the area of Weir Street North and Dunsmure Road. Because serial numbers were previously recorded, police were able to locate and confirm one of the bicycles. It was subsequently returned to the owner.

Through continued investigation, a potential location for the suspects was identified. Police attended a residence in the area of Main Street East and Sanford Avenue South where Francis Bobolo and Douglas Decker were located. They were taken into police custody and police discovered Decker was bound by a probation order. His arrest signified violations to that order. He was advised of the additional charges.

On Wednesday, July 17, 2019, both males appeared in court for bail hearings.

Year-to- date, the Hamilton Police Service has recovered 70 stolen bicycles which is a decrease from the previous two years; 119 in 2018 and 123 in 2017 respectively. After 30 days, unclaimed bicycles are sent off to public auction. Prior that, police exhaust efforts to identify the owner by examining the bicycles for serial numbers and cross-referencing them with reports.

Hamilton Police urge bicycle owners to always record the serial number and if stolen or lost to report it to the police right away.

Please see the following link under ‘Operation Bike Guard “for a Bike Identification Form to keep on hand in the event you have to file a report with the police. https://bit.ly/2qurd1Y

CHARGED

• Francis Bobolo, 26-years-of age from Hamilton

CHARGES

• Theft under $5000
• Possession of stolen property under $5000

CHARGED

• Douglas Decker, 27–years-of-age of no fixed address

CHARGES

• Theft under $5000
• Possession of stolen property under $5000
• Fail to comply probation X2

If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime you are asked to contact Division Three Staff Sergeant’s Office by calling 905-546-3886.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com