SAFETY WARNING: Bicycle “Jackings” on Santa Ana River Trail
SANTA ANA, CA – There has been a lot of buzz recently about cyclists being accosted while riding on the Santa Ana River Trail. Suffice it to say, please be aware of this sort of situation, not only along this trail but other places as well. If you notice something suspicious, it may be more prudent to avoid the area altogether, even if that means reversing your course. We want you to stay safe out there!
Here are some of the details:
Article #1:
This article states that an arrest was made on February 6, 2012. Three suspects caught and identified by victims.
Attn So Cal SART Riders and Shops In Area:
Email from Santa Ana PD
During the past two months there have been several robberies on the Santa Ana Riverbed in Santa Ana between 17th Street and Edinger. The robbers mostly target lone riders, usually between 6PM and 8PM. The good news is that on Sunday, February 6th, three of the robbers were caught. We showed their photos to some of the other victims who identified them as being responsible in multiple robberies. SAPD is confident that the primary robbery suspects are in custody. That said, the riverbed borders several gang territories, so riders should use appropriate caution and when possible, ride in pairs during evening hours.
SAPD recovered two bicycles on 02-08-12. We are looking for the owner; likely a bike shop since they appear brand new.
#1 SCATTANTE, Full Monocoque Carbon SL10, white frame with red, black seat, black handle wrap, Schwalbe tires, Aclass alx730 wheels
#2 FUJI, Altimira 3.0, black frame with white and red, white seat, white handle wrap, Hutchinson tires, Oval 330 wheels
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Contact SAPD Det CPL Michelle Miller #2795
714-245-8412
Article #2:
On the RoadBiking.org website, another article was published on February 15, 2012, which states that as recently as Saturday, February 11, there was an attack during the middle of the day on the Santa Ana River Trail between McFadden and 1st St (this is within the stretch mentioned above), several days after the arrest mentioned in Article #1. The modus operandi is that there is usually a “spotter” on a cell phone who calls ahead after eyeing a potential target (single rider, expensive gear, etc), such that the 3 attackers are ready and waiting to pounce on their victim, robbing and sometimes beating the unaware cyclist.
You can read more about it on RoadBiking.org.
Related Articles:
Examiner.com – WARNING: Recent bike jackings and beatings on the Santa Ana River Trail
