Stolen bike appears on Gumtree, but police can't act

The owner of a stolen bike says he's spotted it for sale online - but that the police say it could take weeks to act.

Peter Whitehead, 31, had his distinctive £450 bicycle stolen from outside a gym in Edinburgh.

"I was in a state of shock when I left the gym and got back to the bike shelter to find that my bike was no longer there. Only my bike lock remained and I just stood there, frozen," he told the Daily Record.

"I was really angry and immediately called the police to tell them what had happened. They said that they would look into it, but I haven't seen any movement from them yet."

Mr Whitehead decided to do a little investigating of his own, anmmd quickly found his bike up for sale for £250 on the Gumtree website - easily recognisable, thanks to both the unusual model and the position of the bike lock bracket on the frame.

The ad reads: "reads: "Nice bike, only a year old, never used. It's a bargain at the price."

"My girlfriend texted the number late at night. I have since messaged the user and tried to call but haven't been able to get through," says Mr Whitehead.

But when he contacted the police, they said there was nothing they could do. They said they needed a warrant before they could compel Gumtree to hand over the seller's details - which could take weeks.

Gumtree is a favorite way for thieves to dispose of stolen goods - and the company's website promises that the company will "do all we can to provide the police with any information that assists their investigation".

According to a spokesman, this does involve the raising of a crime report and the issuing of a warrant. But in the case of Mr Whitehead, he said, "Police Scotland have not contacted us about this alleged crime, but of course we'd be happy to help in any way we can."

A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said the force was in the process of applying for a warrant. "We can't breach data protection rules, and neither can Gumtree," he said. But, he added, if the force is successful in recovering the bike, it will be returned to Mr Whitehead - even if it's been sold in the meantime. Buyers, beware.

And the police do often manage to recover goods. Last summer, for example, the site cooperated with Northumbria Police to catch Tyneside brothers Anthony and Damian Waddell, who had stolen and sold tools, satnavs and DJ equipment, as well as bikes.

"Buying and selling bikes on Gumtree, and some other sites, is quick and easy, and requires no identification and minimal registration. This has made the web a popular place for thieves to sell bikes," warns the London Cycling Campaign team.

"If an advert looks dodgy, and the seller doesn't have a credible story as to where they acquired the bike, walk away for your own good as well as everyone else's."

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