Two men have been arrested during a pair of raids over the past week that led to the recovery of at least a half-dozen stolen high-end bicycles, officers said Tuesday.
Police noted that over 180 bikes have been reported stolen to Bend police since the beginning of the year -- not counting the many that go unreported. Officers urged residents to secure their bikes, license them with the city and report them if stolen, so they might be returned if found.
Officers executed a search warrant last Thursday at a duplex at 20375 Fairway Drive in southeast Bend regarding bike thefts, said Lt. Nick Parker.
Investigators seized several high-valued bikes believed to be stolen. Parker said investigators are in the process of linking the bikes to different theft cases and victims.
Kelly Patrick Crawford, 43, of Bend, was arrested on two unrelated bench warrants during the raid, for failure to appear and violation of a release agreement on earlier charges, Parker said. He added that there have been no suspects formally charged in this bike thefts, though the investigation is continuing.
Two days later, on Saturday, police served another search warrant at 59999 Cheyenne Road, Apt. 2, also related to bike thefts, and seized several high-valued stolen bicycles, Parker said.
Bend transient Jeremiah Michael Towery, 42, was arrested during the second raid on first-degree theft charges in relation to the stolen bikes. Parker said that investigation is continuing as well.
Both men remained Tuesday in the Deschutes County Jail, held on $20,000 bail each. Crawford’s original charges include two counts of first-degree theft, one count of second-degree theft and marijuana possession. Towery is charged with three counts of first-degree theft and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
Parker said Bend police “would like to remind citizens to register their bikes and to properly secure them when they are not in use.”
He also urged residents to file a police report for bike thefts, as the “department makes every effort to investigate all crimes, to include thefts, and attempt to recovery property for victims.”
“We highly recommend all bicycle owners register their bicycles through the Bend Police Department,” he wrote in a news release. “This is a free service and is helpful in the recovery process.”
Citizens with questions about the registration process and tips on securing bikes can call Bend police at 541-322-2960. Those wishing to report a stolen bike or tips on a related investigation are asked to contact police through Deschutes County dispatchers at 541-693-6911.