[CR]Craigslist and stolen bikes

(Example: Framebuilding:Tubing)

Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2008 07:56:52 -0700
From: "Bob Freitas" <freitas1@pacbell.net>
To: beandk@rcn.com
cc: CLASSIC RENDEZVOUS <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR]Craigslist and stolen bikes

Question is can you prove you actually own your own bikes? Last year I created a photo album of all by bikes plus an index which includes additional information like serial numbers. I also had Ed Litton do an appraisal as my Homeowners policy is the replacement value type. Further I stick one of my business cards into the bottom of the seat post as a quick identifier (BB is a good idea but will only work in extreme circumstances) A couple years ago I caught a fellow in SF who was riding my brothers stolen bike, I had built the bike for him and could ID every part but did not know the serial number (plus he did not report it stolen to SFPD) so I could not get it back even with the cops there. If I had put a business card in the seat post I would have stood a very good chance of recovering the bike.

BOB FREITAS

MILL VALLEY,CA USA