Third Time's Not the Charm for Alleged Quincy Bike Thief

QUINCY, MA — And on the third day, the suspect in a Quincy bike theft investigation was arrested.

A Quincy man faces charges following reports of bicycle thefts near Quincy High School. Peter Wallace, 43, was charged with three counts of larceny over $250, defacing/vandalizing real or personal property, and carrying a dangerous weapon (double edged knife), according to the Quincy Police Department.

Police began conducting surveillance of the area around the high school Thursday after receiving reports of bike thefts on April 10 and 11. Video surveillance footage showed a thin white man with a hat, draw string backpack, shorts, and green sneakers allegedly taking the bikes.

At 10 a.m. Thursday, police observed a man who matched the description of the suspect allegedly tampering with a bike lock before riding it towards Quincy Center. The man attempted to flee police, but was located at Burger King on Granite Street. The bicycle and cut lock were located in the parking area behind Toodies on Hancock Street, police said. The bicycle is valued at about $3,000.

Following the thefts, the residents are advised to take the following steps to protect their bikes

1. Use a strong, reliable U-lock. As was evidenced yesterday, it only takes a few moments to cut through some cheaper cable locks. Consider using two locks (a U-lock and cable) to secure quick release parts of your bike as well (tires, etc).
2. Always lock your bike, even at home.
3. Choose the right location. Always lock your bike in visible, well-lighted areas. Lock your bike to a fixed, immovable object like a parking meter, or a permanent bike rack that is cemented or anchored into the ground. If you use a parking meter or similar object, make sure the locked bike cannot be slipped off over the top of the pole.