Bike Worth More Than $1 Thousand Stolen From Octagon Bike Rack Yesterday- Is It Safe To Leave Your Bicycle At A Roosevelt Island Bike Rack Without It Being Stolen?

According to yesterday's Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety (PSD) 24 Hour Incident Report:

10/11/20 – 1340 – 888 Main Street – Grand Larceny – PSD/NYPD responded – Referred to NYPD.

In reply to my inquiry for more information, RIOC PSD Chief Kevin Brown adds:

PSD took a Report for a bicycle that was taken from Octagon bike rack. The complainant states the bike was worth over 1,000 dollars. 

On September 30, a Roosevelt Island resident reported:

We had two bikes stolen from different locations on the Island. Both were locked and the lock was cut. One was taken from outside Manhattan Park, the second from near the Octagon tennis court....  It happened last week, and the second one just yesterday evening...

On the first one, we reported to Public Safety, the second, not yet. But I thought it will be a good heads-up for people on the Island to secure their bikes better. We used a relativity thin chain and it was just cut, and with the second we bought a thicker chain, but it didn't help. There was a third attempt before the second theft, but then we found the bike with the cut-off lock near the subway.

My husband found the bike there attached to another bike wheel, with our cut-off lock around both. It seems like they were left there in order to collect other parts and we just caught it before the thief left the Island...

It seems like a serial thing, that's why I think it's worth publishing.

                                        Image Of Manhattan Park And West Promenade Bike Racks

I followed up with Chief Brown asking him:

Im told by a resident that there’s been an increase in bike thefts recently!

Have you noticed that.

He replied:

That’s is not something we have found in our reports.

Is it safe to leave your bicycle at a Roosevelt Island bike rack without it being stolen?

Father & Son Leave Bikes Unattended And Unsecured Outside Roosevelt Island Jupioca To Get A Drink - 3 Male Youths Steal Their Bikes

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Incident Report:

08/20/19 – 2044 - 455 Main St – Grand Larceny – PSD responded – Referred to NYPD.

I asked for more details. A RIOC spokesperson replied:

Be advised that a male and his son left their bikes unattended in front of 455 Main Street, while they went into get something to drink from Jupioca and when they came out a female advised them that she believed three male youths had taken the bike that was laying there. The bikes were not secured. Victim advised that he would go to NYPD on his own to file a rpt. As per the victim, the bike is valued at $1500.

PSD conducted an Island wide search for the bike with negative results.

Make sure you lock up your bicycle when unattended.

Roosevelt Island Resident Seeking Your Help In Recovering Stolen Bicycle

Roosevelt Island resident Rossana Ceruzzi had her bicycle stolen last Saturday evening and is seeking help in its recovery.

According to Ms. Ceruzzi:

It's a Raleigh C40/ Red / bicycle with a basket on the front.

Image of Ms. Ceruzzi's Stolen Bicycle

It was parked for 5 minutes last Saturday night between the two entrance doors of the Roosevelt Island Duane Reade store where there are two cameras one of them at eye level.

A report has been filed with the NYPD and the Duane Reade tech will send a copy of the footage (reviewed by an officer) to both PSD and NYPD.

If you see Ms. Ceruzzi'a bicycle or have any knowledge of its theft, please contact the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department at (212) 832-4545.

Hopefully, Ms Ceruzzi will be as fortunate as this Roosevelt Island bicycle owner who had a stolen bike recovered.

2 Roosevelt Island Bicycles Stolen From Inside Riverwalk Landings Bike Room

Image of Riverwalk Landings 425 Main Street Bike Room Door

One of the really great things about Roosevelt Island is being able to bike around the Island. What's not so great is having your bike stolen. There have been a number of occasions in the past when bikes were left on the street, either chained or not, and stolen.

However, you would think that bicycles stored in a locked bike room inside Riverwalk Landing's 425 Main Street for which a fee is paid would be safe. But that was not the case for two bicycles reported stolen from inside the locked Bike Room of Riverwalk Landing. According to the 5/5 - 5/6 Daily Roosevelt Island Public Safety Report:

Larceny- Two bicycles from the 425 Main Street bike room. PSD responded and conducted a search with negative results. NYPD refused.

Stolen Roosevelt Island Bicycle Found And Returned To Owner - But Not Yet For This Yellow Bike

Image of Bicycle Recently Stolen From Roosevelt Island Resident

Have you had the unfortunate experience, like the owner of the above yellow bicycle from this recent post, of having your bicycle stolen on Roosevelt Island and given up any hope for ever getting it back? Well consider this happy ending from the August 11 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Report:

Recovered Property - Resident reported to PSD that she observed her reported missing bicycle tied up to a light pole. Bike was clipped and returned to owner.

The lesson learned is that if your bike is stolen, keep a look out for it and immediately contact the Public Safety Department if you spot it here on Roosevelt Island.

Let's hope the owner of the stolen yellow bicycle is lucky enough to have it returned as well!

Did You See This Yellow Bike? It Was Stolen From Roosevelt Island Subway Bike Rack

This Is The Stolen Yellow Bicycle

Received the following message from a Roosevelt Island resident who had the bicycle pictured above stolen from the Roosevelt Island Subway Bike Rack.

Last Tuesday at 9 AM I locked my bicycle in the bike rack near the
subway station, as I usually do every day. Around 7:30 PM, when I
returned, I found only a broken chain on the floor. I communicated the PSD about the situation right away (I heard that this is not the first case). Well, the stolen bicycle is a yellow folding one and it was almost new (I bought it 3 months ago). If you see somebody riding a bike like the one in the pictures, please tell a police officer.

P.S.: I'm living in here since last April, and when I was searching
for an apartment, the rental agent told me that the zip code 10044 is
the safest in NYC :-(

Broken Bike Chain Found on Floor

Recent Reports Of Burglary and Stolen Items On Roosevelt Island

Burglar Cartoon Image from ryebrookroundup

A reader of this post asks:

any info on the burglaries being spoken about on RI?

I reviewed the past week's daily Public Safety Reports and listed below those incidents describing items being stolen.

5/31-6/1
Burglary - Tenant reported to PSD that someone broke into his apartment while he was away. Three game systems and two lap tops were taken. No signs of forced entry. NYPD was on scene and took a report.

0700 hrs 06/01/09 - 0700 hrs 06/02/09

Grand Larceny - Worker reported to PSD that unknown person took wallet from locker room. PSD made search with negative results. Cameras were viewed with negative results. Wallet contained credit cards and no money. Victim stated he will go to 114 pct. on his own.

Petit Larceny - PSD responded to group home for past Petit Larceny. Subject was on scene and taken into custody. Subject was taken to 114 pct. and processed by NYPD.

Investigation/Recovered Bike - Tenant reported to PSD that two youths took bike from patio and attempted to leave with it. Owner grabbed bike. Youths fled without bike. PSD searched area with negative results.

6/3 - 6/4

Investigation - Resident reported that his apartment was burglarized and laptop and DVD player were missing. No signs of forced entry and NYPD refused.

0700 hrs 06/04/09 - 0700 hrs 06/05/09

Investigation - Tenant reported to PSD that after returning from church, she noticed her purse containing money and jewelry missing from her apartment. PSD responded and found no force entry. NYPD refused.

Please let me know if anyone knows of other incidents involving item being stolen on Roosevelt Island.

Here is a breakdown of Roosevelt Island Public Safety Incidents by Category and location for the Months of April and May 2009.

Another Bicycle Found and Returned - Remember Today is the Roosevelt Island Youth Summit

Image from Japan Nomads

The Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department reports that another lost or stolen bicycle was found and secured yesterday.

Found Property- A bicycle. It was secured in PSD.

That makes 2 bicycles found this week.

Also, Public Safety Director Keith Guerra is reminding all Roosevelt Island youth and their parents that they are hosting a Youth Summit at PS/IS 217 tonight starting at 6:30 PM.

Image from RIOC

Another Bicycle Theft on Roosevelt Island and Public Safety Reports from January 19 - September 1, 2008

Image of Riverwalk bike rack is not necessarily where bike was stolen

There was another bicycle theft reported to the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department this past week. The latest occurrence makes at least 3 in recent weeks. This time the bike was taken from one of the street bike racks. According to Public Safety report for August 29:

Petit Larceny - Female walked into PSD reported bike taken from rack by unknown subjects. Search made with negative results.

There was also an August 31 report of:

Criminal Mischief-Bike Room door damaged. Search for the subject yielded negative results. UA Super notified.

Here are the other Roosevelt Island Public Safety reports for August 25 - September 1.

8/25 /08-7:00 AM to 8/26/08-7:00 AM

Found Property- A sebco Laundry card. It was secured in PSD.

Missing Person- From a group home. NYPD and PSD responded and conducted a search with negative results.

Escort- PSD provided an escort.

Graffiti- On 7th Floor. Search for the subject yielded negative results. UA notified.

Smoke Condition- Small fire of donated clothes. PSD extinguished it. No injuries or property damage.

Investigation- Senior Citizen escorted to apt by PSD.

8/26/08-7:00 AM to 8/27/08-7:00 AM

Criminal Mischief- Concert Flower Pot turned over. WV Door man notified. No Damage. Search for subject yielded negative results.

Graffiti- In building. and in stairwell. Search for the subject yielded negative results. UA notified.

Criminal Mischief- /Petit larceny- Window broken to vehicle and property removed. Search for the subject yielded negative results. NYPD responded and prepared a report.

Found Property- Cell phone. It was secured in PSD.

Criminal Mischief/Grand larceny- A window was broken and property taken. search for the subject yielded negative results. NYPD notified.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Film shoot/Investigation- Film Crew on Island to do a film shoot and referred to RIOC for a permit.

Lost Property- 2 gold rings lost. NYPD responded and prepare a report.

Escort- PSD provided an escort to a female.

Hazardous Condition- Loose Concert and Cobble stone caused a flat tire. Motorist referred to RIOC.

Trespass- 2 subjects arrested by PSD.

Found Property- Wallet and it was secured at PSD.

Alcohol Open Container- 2 Subject arrested by PSD.

Criminal Possession of Marijuana- Subject arrested by PSD.

8/27/087:00 AM to 8/28/08-7:00AM

Unsecured Vehicle- Unable to contact the owner. PSD checked the vehicle periodically.

Unsecured Premises- Door left open. Search conducted and it was in order. The door was locked and secured.

Alarm- Search conducted for subject with negative results. NYPD responded. The alarm was reset.

Vehicle on Fire- No inuries. FDNY responded. Owner had vehicle towed.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Found Property- A wallet. It was secured in PSD.

Criminal Mischief- Rear door damaged to building. RIOC notified. Search for the subject conducted with negative results.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Aided/EDP- Male threaten to jump off the R.I. Bridge. NYPD and EMS responded. He was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Criminal Mischief- Water base paint was thrown on the outside and inside of a building. Search conducted for the subject yielded negative results. UA Super notified and corrected the condition.

0700 hrs 08/28/08 - 0700 hrs 08/29/08

Suicide jumper - PSD responded to RI bridge for possible jumper. NYPD and EMS on scene and transported aided to hospital.

Unsecured premises/Criminal Mischief - Unknown subjects entered day care center and sprayed it all over with paint. Maintenance cleaned it up. Conducted search of area with negative results.

Vehicle accident - RIOC bus hit truck causing minor damages. No injuries involved. NYPD refused.

Water leak - PSD responded to apt for water leak. Super checked apt and found no leak. Super secured apt.

Hazardous condition - Super reported that 3 youths entered elevator and threw pills all over elevator and stairwell. Maintenance cleaned up pills.

Aided - RIOC personnel twisted ankle. EMS transported aided to hospital.

Aided - Aided tripped and fell. Aided refused transport. No injuries.

Found property - Anon person dropped off cell phone at PSD. Phone secured phone.

0700 Hrs 8/29/08 - 0700 Hrs 8/30/08

Graffiti - Female tenant walked in to report black marker was used on front door lock. Search made with negative results. Super notify.

Found Property - RIOC worker gave PSD black purse found at Post Office area. Secured in Sgt's Cabinet.

Criminal Mischief - PSD Responded to Eastwood building for broken light bulbs thrown into the stairwell. Search made with negative results.

Petit Larceny - Female walked into PSD reported bike taken from rack by unknown subjects. Search made with negative results.

Aided - PSD Officer responded with FDNY for a 72 yr. old male who fell hitting his head. Transported to Elmhurst Hospital.

Graffiti - PSD Officer responded to stairwell and observed writing on wall. search made with negative results.

Fire - PSD Officer responded to a smoke alarm. Tenant was taken out of apartment. Fire was extinguished. FDNY on scene.

8/30/08-7:00 AM to 8/31/08-7:00 AM

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Aided-/DOA- Elderly deceased in apt. EMS and NYPD responded.

Graffiti- Rear of River Cross. Search for the subject yielded negative results. RIOC notified.

Criminal Trespass- 2 juvenile escorted to PSD and parents picked up youth

Alcohol/ Open Container- 4 subjects arrested by PSD.

Family Dispute- PSD and NYPD responded. No injuries. NYPD report done.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Aggravated Harassment- Via telephone. NYPD report done.

8/31/08-7:00 AM to 9/1/08-7:00 AM

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Criminal Mischief-Bike Room door damaged. Search for the subject yielded negative results. UA Super notified.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Assault 3- Husband assaulted wife. PSD responded and arrested the subject.

Here are The Roosevelt Island Public Safety daily reports for January 19- May 1 2008 and May 1 - September 1 2008 as well as Monthly reports for February, April and May 2008. I hope to have more recent monthly reports soon.

I Want To Ride My Bicycle But Can't If It's Stolen on Roosevelt Island - Some Bike Theft Prevention Ideas and A Visit from Bicycle Repair Man

You Tube Video of Queen's Bicycle Race Song

In response to this post on recent Roosevelt Island bicycle thefts, several readers have offered suggestions on preventing your bike from being stolen including etching the bike with some form of identification and using a kryptonite lock.

...make sure to lock the front wheel to the frame and something sturdy (ie Bike Rack). It's also never a bad idea to lock your back wheel as well. There are many different products out there. Kryponite is what most people use and it is a good deterent. But in the end, it's easier to just bring the bike inside with you.

Another reader commented:

You know what I do not understand in this city? NYC is such a bike-unfriendly place in the first place and you still have to always fear that somebody will steal your bike. Is there a way to register your bicycle with the police? I come from a European country where all bicycles have a serial number (similar to the VIN here) and if your bike is stolen (which doesn't happen that often) it is harder to resell them.

I inquired of Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Keith Guerra if there was a way to register bikes on Roosevelt Island and he advises:

Our Youth Officer can etch a numeric onto the bike and that numeric is logged with Public Safety. If a stolen bike is recovered (and is etched), it will be returned to it's rightful owner.

In the event of your stolen bike being found and returned, it may have become damaged If so, Mr. F.G Superman a/k/a Bicycle Repair Man can help.

You Tube Video of Monty Python's Bicycle Repair Man skit

Bicycle Thefts on Roosevelt Island - Easy To Do and Difficult To Stop - Even With A Beautiful Roosevelt Island Rainbow

Image of Subway Plaza Bike Rack from AM New York #13

According to the Roosevelt Island Public Safety report for Friday, August 22, two bicycles were stolen from their owners. One from in front of the Trellis Diner and the other by the Tramway Courtyard.

Here is how easy it is to steal a bicycle during the day in plain sight of many people, including the police, using a variety of tools.

You Tube video demonstrating how easy it is to steal a bicycle

How to make bike thefts more difficult. An interesting idea from gizmodo via treehugger. Bike trees with fingerprint identification keep bikes off the ground away from potential robbers.
And another idea for preventing bike thefts - the "Bike Cuff":

... designed to be used with another lock. Like "The Club" for cars, the Bike Cuff is a theft deterrent. It takes care of securing the front wheel and the frame, and in the process immobilizes steering at a 40 45 degree angle. The tight adjustable fit was inspired by handcuffs. This reduces space for insertion of pry tools and cable cutters.

Here's the rest of the Roosevelt Island Public Safety reports for August 18 -25 including the investigation of a professional photographer taking pictures without a permit (8/19) and criminal impersonation regarding apartment application ( 8/18).

8/18/08-7:00 AM to 8/19/08-7:00 AM

Custody/Visitation- Mother did not bring child for visit with father. he will go to Family Court.

Hazardous Condition- A broken Fire Hydrant. Caution tape put around it. DEP notified.

Unsecured Vehicle- Unable to contact the owner. PSD checked periodically.

Unsecured apt- Keys left on door. PSD knocked on door no answer. The apt door was locked and keys secured in PSD.

Criminal Impersonation/Petit larceny-regarding an apt. 2 Check given to subject and application with personal information. PSD checked with actual Rental Company Personnel who confirmed subjects not with rental co. Victim referred to NYPD.

Hazardous Condition- Shopping cart blocking the stairway. UA porter notified and removed it.

Family Dispute- Between sisters. scratches sustained. One taken to the Hospital for Psychological evaluation. NYPD unable to respond due to back log of jobs. The other refused EMS.

Loitering- F/O building. PSD to monitor area.

Burglary- Access gained to building through an open window. Items thrown about. NYPD refused and locks changed.

Unsecured Premises- Rear door open. The lock was broken. Search for subject yielded negative results. Officer monitored the building.

8/19/08-7:00 AM to 8/20-08-7:00AM

Criminal Mischief- Unknown Subject kicked in building door. Lock was damaged. Search for the subject yielded negative results. RIOC repaired the lock.

Investigation- Professional Photographer taking photos without a RIOC permit. He was referred to RIOC.

Possible Aided- Person complained of back pain but refused EMS. He was escorted home.

Unsecured Premises- Basement door left open. Search made and it was in order. the door was secured.

Found Property- A driver's license was secured in PSD.

8/20/08-7:00 Am to 8/21/08-7:00AM

Fire Alarm- In Eastwood. Cigarette thrown in Avac Chute. UA Corrected condition. No property damage . No injuries.

Criminal Mischief- hole in the wall. Search conducted for the subject with negative results. UA notified.

Aided- Worker of South town accidently caused a rock to stricke a female. No visible injuries and EMS refused. Worker was using a weed waker.

Grand Larceny- (Off Island)- RI resident reported on the subway between 50th and 57th street unknown subject opened zipper on back Pack and took wallet. She will notify NYPD on her own,

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Graffiti- On the 7th floor in the hallway. search for the subject yielded negative results. UA notified.

Alcohol/Open Container- 2 subjects arrested by PSD.

Unlawful Possession of MARIJUANA- Subject arrested by PSD.

Smoke Condition- small paper burning in the hallway. It was extinguished by PSD. UA notified.

Search for the subject yielded negative results.

Alcohol/Open Container- 2 subjects arrested by PSD.

0700 hrs. Thursday August 21 St. 2008 tru 0700 hrs. Friday August 22nd. 2008.

Arrest - Male and Female Subjects summonsed for open container.

Smoke Condition - PSD Responded to 560 7th floor for a small paper fire. Fire extinguished.

Investigation - Father of a 2 year son reported to PSD that a male subject called him harassing him about his son.

Investigation - Camp counselor at PS 217 reported a 6 yr. old child not feeling well. Youth officer notified mother of child and picked up child. EMS refused.

Court Order/Escort - PSD Escorted male subject to apartment to retrieve some belongings.

Aided - Female tenant stated to PSD officer of having chest pains. EMS Refused by tenant.

Found Property - PSD Observed a set of keys on the sidewalk. Secured keys at PSD Office.

Arrest - Three male subjects summonsed. Two for illegal possession of marihuana one for loitering in public.

0700 hrs. Friday August 22nd 2008 tru 0700 hrs. Saturday August 23rd 2008

Unsecured vehicle - PSD Observed vehicle with windows left opened. Motorgate Office notified.

Unattended Bicycle - RIOC employ left bicycle at Tram courtyard when he returned the bicycle was no longer there. PSD made search with negative results.

Unsecured Vehicle - PSD observed vehicle with windows left opened. Motorgate Office notified.

Graffiti - PSD Officer observed inside stairwell walls and ceiling. Super notified. Search for subjects made with negative results.

Hazardous Condition - NYPD notified PSD of manhole cover that fell into drain hole. RIOC notified condition corrected.

Criminal Possession of marihuana - NYPD Officer reported male subject under arrest. PSD Transported to 114th Pct.

Trespass / Open container - PSD Officer responded for roof alarm. Upon arrival observed Male and Female subjects at location. PSD Issued summonses for Violation.

Escort - PSD Escorted female subject to apartment to retrieve personal property.

Disable Vehicle - PSD assisted in moving vehicle out of street to the side out of the way of traffic. Owner notified tow truck.

Missing Property - Female walked into PSD to report while sitting inside Trellis left bike unsecured outside. Search made with negative results.

Found Property - Female walked into PSD to reported items found inside lobby of 546 Main St.

8/23/08-7:00 AM to 8/24/08-7:00 AM

Unlawful Possession of Marijuana- 2 Subjects arrested by PSD.

Harassment-Complainant stated subject locked her out. PSD responded. Maid opened the door . Subject had left.

Investigation- Suspicious Females found at the Senior Center by the computers. When approached by Senior Member they left. Computers where unplugged but nothing missing.

Aided- An ill person was taken to the Hospital by EMS.

Found Property- A wallet was secured in PSD.

Alcohol/Open Container- 3 Subjects arrested by PSD.

Investigation- Alarm in apt was set off. PSD and Super Mann Park responded. Tenant inside was fine and accidently set alarm off.

Unsecured Vehicle- In the Garage. The windows were open and radio was on. Vehicle was illegally parked and issued a summons.

Verbal Dispute- Between passenger of cab and the driver. PSD and NYPD responded and passenger made payment of fare.

8/24/08-7:00 AM to 8/25/08-7:00 AM

Criminal Mischief- Lock on apt door slightly bent. NYPD refused. Search for the subject made with negative results. UA to be notified by the tenant to change the lock.

Aided- 2 persons accidently stuck in the locked boiler room. Maintenance responded and persons refused EMS.

Found Property- Envelope with a check. It was secured in PSD.

Missing- A youth of a group home. Search yielded negative results. NYPD responded.

Did you see the rainbow in the AM New York picture of subway bike racks? Very nice!