Is This Your Bicycle? Novato Police Recover 5 Bikes, Several Frames

NOVATO, CA — Police in Novato are seeking to locate the owners of five bicycles and 33 bike frames that were seized for further investigation Aug. 2 when officers responded to a call for service and found a person in possession of the items.

The public is asked to take a look at photos of the bicycles and frames posted on the Novato Police Department’s Facebook Page.

"We are hoping the public can assist us with locating the owners," said Novato police Lt. Michael Howard.

Anyone who recognizes any of the bicycles or has additional information was asked to contact Detective Mike Wacholz at 415-897-4361.

According to Novato police, hundreds of bicycles are stolen throughout Marin County each year, yet an estimated 5 percent or fewer of recovered bicycles are returned to their owners.

The Novato Police Department participates in the National Bike Registry, which is designed to help return lost and stolen bicycles to their rightful owners. When residents register with the program, it makes it easier to identify stolen bicycles by serial numbers and other information when they are recovered, police say. More information is available at Nationalbikeregistry.com.

Additional theft prevention techniques offered by police include:

• Keep your receipt of purchase
• Record your bicycle’s serial number
• Take a photograph of your bike – particularly of any unique features
• Use a combination of locking methods and lock through the frame and wheels
• Marked property may also deter theft due to re-sale difficulties
• Be aware – most bicycle thefts occur in left open residential garages and shopping center bike racks