Bike Thief Nabbed Near Gloucester Township

BERLIN BOROUGH, NJ — A Clementon man was charged with theft and criminal trespass after he stole a bike from a yard in Berlin Borough, according to police.

Law enforcement officials responded to a residence on Clementon Road on June 24 shortly before 1:45 p.m. regarding the bike, the Berlin Borough Police Department said.

The bike has since been located and returned to its owner and Rivera has admitted to taking it, according to police.

Berlin Borough is one of several South Jersey municipalities recently hit by bike thieves.

Others include Riverton, Cherry Hill, West Deptford and Woodbury, according to those town's police departments.

In addition, NPR has previously reported that there has been a likely-pandemic-inspired uptick in bike thefts across the country in recent years.

The Cherry Hill Police Department has previously offered these tips that may keep your bike from being stolen:

• Lock your bike each and every time you are leaving it alone, no matter how long or short of time you will be away from it.
• Bring your (or your kid's) bike in for the night; do not leave it on your porch or driveway.
• Obtain a serial number for your bike (if it does not already have one) and then record the number with your local police department.

Got a news tip? Story idea? Send me an email with the details at janel.miller@patch.com.