The overall crime percentages in Los Angeles are down. Good news. Strangely though, bike theft rose 29% last year. Almost 2,000 bicycles were reported stolen in the Los Angeles area last year  with the actual number estimated to be higher due to the fact most people don’t report when their bikes go missing.

Police say that the reason for this crime spree may be due to the fact that more and more people are using bikes as a main form of transportation for economic and environmental reasons.

This may seem a small issue compared to most, however, an even bigger problem that stems from this one is that some bike messengers caught a couple of boy they say were stealing bikes in the area and decided to take care of the situation themselves instead of calling the authorities. The men reportedly made the two boys strip of clothing and took their backpacks leaving them with nothing but boxers.

“This incident and the arrests are the tip of the iceberg when comes to people stealing bicycles.” Los Angeles Police Lt. Paul Vernon said.

Officers cannot prove that the boys were stealing bikes and are now looking for the assailants who took the teenagers belongings.

Others downtown don’t share the authorities feelings on the subject, “There wasn’t any violence.” said bike messenger Douglas Forrest “… They were stripped of their clothes and sent home,”.

Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend can help the parties involved with an aggressive defense plan. Anyone in a situation like this should contact his law offices for a free consultation. Robert Helfend personally meet with you and handle your case from start to finish. He will not hand you off to a paralegal as he feels like being completely on top of your case will help you understand how much he cares about your wellbeing and reputation.

Photo Credit: Boulderspace.org