I have been aware for some time that John Jorgensen had some seriously
wonderful bike iron stolen from him some time ago. I read his recent quip
that "As to the stolen ones, just hope/expect mine show up on ebay one day."
I know John to be a very intelligent and well informed guy and I am
wondering just what he could/would do if they did show up on E-Bay? They
may have changed hands several times, perhaps through some sincere and
legitimate buyers. There might be issues proving they were really yours,
even there is no doubt in your own mind. I'm sure there could be some
police reports to fall back on...maybe not! Those missing bikes of John's
disappeared many years ago if I am recalling properly...if the aggrieved
owner does not still have copies of these reports, I wonder how long the
police keep them on file.
What would E-Bay do if advised that an item it has listed is stolen? Which
police agency would one contact...the one where the bike was stolen? Would
contact with the seller be advisable or not?
I know we have at least a couple of lawyers on the list and some highly
experienced collectors and E-Bay buyers, too. Might anyone have some
experience with anything like this? Perhaps some insights to share?
Perhaps a strategy that a collector should have in mind in case something
like this pops up at some point?
Tom Sanders
Lansing, Mi USA