Concerns grow over L.A. bike thefts after two cyclists are shot

The concerns about bike thefts in Los Angeles increased Friday as LAPD detectives said they are searching for two men who are responsible for shooting two cyclists who fought the robbers in Koreatown.

One of the victims was so badly wounded during the April 4 robbery that he was only released from the hospital last week, police said.

“They nearly killed him,” said LAPD Det. Dennis Bopp, who is investigating the shootings. “It was a crime of opportunity that turned to violence.”

The shooting unfolded about 3.a.m., when the two victims stopped to get food from a catering truck at Pico Boulevard and Westmoreland Avenue. The victims left their bicycles unguarded nearby. As the men bought food, two men walked up and grabbed their bikes.

The cyclists saw their bikes being wheeled away, chased the robbers and began struggling for control of the bicycles, Bopp said.

One of the robbers pulled out a handgun and shot one of the victims in the ribcage. Then, as they rode off, he shot the second cyclist in the shoulder.

The shooting comes as the LAPD reported a 29% increase in bike thefts last year compared to 2008. Nearly 2,000 bikes were reported stolen last year in Los Angeles -- and authorities believe the actual number of thefts was much higher because so many people don't report stolen bikes.

-- Richard Winton

Comments

[Joel Johnson]

How about the LAPD handing out some CCW's so the honest citizens can shoot back?

[Rocker]

That's why you should drive in LA.

[UcL2]

Bike Jacking? Anymore surprises left in that bag of tricks in L.A.?

[consumer13]

Well, why report bike thefts? Mr. Beck is on record that the LAPD doesn't care about property thefts, won't investigate unless it's a murder case. They would've got the required headcount to do it if police worked hours like people in the private sector, but since police only work a couple of days each week (thanks police union), property thefts would require hugely expensive OT. And with public purse strings no longer unlimited, officers get sent home for the remainder of the week on full pay to catch up on their free time. Yeah. Things are well with the LAPD. Remember next time you vote.

[tarwater]

A bike is of less value than continuing to live.

[Brad]

My bike was stolen a few weeks ago on Pico, very similar situation. The police don't care about these kinds of crimes... I had to stalk the gangbangers who stole my bike take it back by force.

What LA needs is a a concealed carry law so that law abiding residents can defend their property from the gangs that are taking over LA.

[Say What?]

Printed over 3 weeks after the fact with no suspect descriptions, sketches or photos. 2 PC 4 me.

Guess the race...

[Diz Pareunia]

Right on Joel Johnson.
Criminals would think twice if their intended victims were armed.

[alan]

give the honest citizens guns so they can shoot first...ride second.

[pete]

It's a free country and a tragedy that shouldn't have happened but who rides their bikes at three in the morning in Koreatown?

[Arthur Davis]

Passing a CW law would only make things worse in my opinion. A car jacker, a housebreaker or any other criminal is going to keep doing what he does, but now he will think that every citizen is carrying a gun, so he'll shoot first. You don't fight violence with violence. Traveling in groups of 4 or more helps. People carrying a weapon, and never been in a combative situation might not do the right thing. Pointing a pistol at someone is easier than pulling the trigger. If you point a weapon, make sure you can use it. I know life is different than the movies. Killing someone is not that easy, and for some the after effects are worse than the deed. Think about it!!!

[Timber]

If we want the cops to pay attention to this, then they also need a means of tracking and identifying the property. Which really means bringing back municipal bicycle licenses. It's an old idea, but how else could it work? I have a 1955 Schwinn Varsity which still has a 1965 LA license sticker attached. How many people even have a serial number record for their bike? Or contact info on it somewhere?

[edkrunk]

I presume that these bikes were either high-end cycle bikes, or they were the popular fixed-gears. If true, then I can see why bicycle thefts are up. But yeah, losing a life over a bike isn't worth it.

[kuruc]

arizona just passed a new law, nothing to do with illegals. now you can carry a concealed weapon and don't need a permit.this would have helped with these byke thefts.

[Jim Q. Citizen]

90% of the crimes committed in L.A. go unreported. Only when someone is shot and are seriously injured or killed do the police get involved. Street robbery is rampant in L.A. and the robbers are getting more aggressive all the time. We all like to brag that crime is as low now in L.A. as it was in the 1950's but that's because people don't report crime like they did in the fifties. Sorry folks but eating from a taco truck at 3:00 a.m. in K-Town isn't the smartest thing to do- unless a few on-duty L.A.P.D. patrol officers are having a bite there also.

If you find yourself in an area were there's a lot of trash in the street and graffiti is all over the place you are NOT in a safe neighborhood- day or night. Be aware of your surroundings and proceed with caution. If confronted by armed people let them have what they want.

[syscom3]

Maybe the victims were "hard working immigrants with no documentation to be here" and they relied on those bikes to get to work and back.

It doesnt matter why they were riding their bikes at night. It was their property.

[Just Asking]

To Arthur Davis, Florida has already disproven your theory. Florida liberalized their CCW regulations and armed crime against citizens have gone down. Of course the scum bags target out of state cars and rental cars more often now. The criminals already practice CCW, it is time to allow legal permit holders to do the same. More legal guns on streets make for safer streets for everyone, check the numbers in Florida.

[Lucho Perez]

two things were wrong here. . .riding bikes at 3AM really? Secondly, why would you leave your bikes without a chain or lock at 3AM?