Police Say Prolific Bike Thief Busted

Portland Police say that they have busted a prolific bicycle thief and returned three bicycles to their rightful owners. Thirty-two-year-old David Joshua Dutcherson is charged with several crimes including burglary, theft, and heroin possession.

Police say that an off-duty detective saw a suspicious van with three high-end racing bikes, took note of the license plate and description of the driver. A week later, as officers were investigating new bike thefts, the detective recognized the van and driver.

Dutcherson is believed to have burglarized several Southeast Portland locations to steal bicycles and re-sell them online, according to police. They say that he burgled locations on the 2600 block of Southeast Ankeny Street, the 1300 blocks of Southeast Umatilla Street, and the 1600 block of Southeast Harold Street, among others.

Detectives recovered three stolen bikes from Dutcherson who had already sold them to unsuspecting buyers. Detectives were able to locate the bikes and returned them to their rightful owners.

Police say the Bike Index website was crucial to helping reunite bicycle owners with their bikes.

The Portland Police Bureau Bike Theft Task Force has a number of recommendations on preventing bicycle theft and important reminders to keep track of your serial numbers in the event of theft.

To learn more, please visit http://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/66825

Photo courtesy Portland Police