Student Finds Her Stolen Bicycle on Craigslist

A college student searching Craiglist ads for a bicycle found her own bike, which had been stolen just the day before, Redlands Police officials said.

The 21-year-old University of Redlands student reported her light blue Electra women’s bicycle with silver rims and a wicker basket stolen from her apartment in the 1200 block of Brockton Avenue on Sept. 20, officials said. The next day, she saw her bike listed for sale on Craigslist and contacted Redlands Police, officials said.

Officers opted to conduct a small sting operation, posing as a potential buyer and contacting the seller to make arrangements to see the bicycle at a home in the 1200 block of Cornell Avenue, officials said. When they arrived, they found the stolen bicycle.

Police arrested 39-year-old Eric Andrew Martinez on suspicion of possession of stolen property. The bicycle was returned to its owner.

Redlands Police urges anyone who has been a victim of theft to report it to police. Thefts can be reported online at the Redlands Police Department website at www.RedlandsPolice.org. Anyone with information on any theft may call Redlands Police Dispatch at (909) 798-7681. Anonymous tips can be provided by texting 274637 using the keyword “REDTIP.”