11:10am | Long Beach Police this week announced the arrests of two suspects charged with ten felony counts relating to bicycle theft, one of the city’s most pressing criminal issues as reported incidents have skyrocketed in 2010 compared to the previous year.
Eight felony counts were filed against 35-year old Mark Esley Shields after a condominium resident recognized Shields from fliers posted in the building about bicycle theft suspects. Several bikes were stolen from the building parking structure near Pine and 5th Street and the resident called authorities. When they arrived they found Shields, who was arrested for residential burglary, petty theft with a prior and possession of burglary tools.
Two felony counts were filed against 25-year old Justin Wosick when an officer noticed his riding a woman’s bike near Pacific and 12th Street. The officer questioned Wosick about the ownership of the bicycle and found that he was on probation for theft. He was arrested for residential burglary, petty theft and possession of marijuana, and the bicycle was returned to its rightful owners.
Authorities have made the issue a top priority as reported bike thefts have greatly increased in recent months, especially because many of the residents at risk need their bicycles as their sole method of transportation. In many cases, stealing a bicycle essentially steals a person’s livelihood. Police strongly encourage the use of “U”-style bike locks, because they are more difficult to cut. They also recommend licensing your bicycle at any fire station on any Saturday or Sunday from 9:00am-12:00pm.