Portsmouth police arrest man after stolen bike put up for sale on Facebook Marketplace

David George
By David George
Published 2nd Apr 2023, 15:02 BST
Updated 2nd Apr 2023, 15:02 BST
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Police have caught and arrested a suspected bike thief – after a stolent bicycle was advertised on Facebook Marketplace.

Portsmouth Police say they were contacted by a woman who had her bike stolen, and spotted it being put up for sale online. Police intercepted the sale and have reunited the bicycle with its rightful owner.

SEE ALSO: Portsmouth drug dealer caught with nearly £21,000 of cocaine spared jail

Posting about the incident on Facebook, Portsmouth Police said: ‘The owner saw her bike advertised on Facebook Marketplace and got in touch. She arranged to buy the bike, but sent us instead.

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The bike was put up for sale mere days after it was stolen. Picture: John DevlinThe bike was put up for sale mere days after it was stolen. Picture: John Devlin
The bike was put up for sale mere days after it was stolen. Picture: John Devlin

‘The thief was arrested, but most importantly the owner got their bike back.

‘There are so many bike thefts reported across the city, it's impossible to investigate each and every one. Prevention is always the best tactic. It's worth investigating in a sturdy lock, and securing it against something immovable.

‘If you have your bike stolen, then it is always worth trawling free-ads on the internet - If it's there, we'll try our best to get back.’