HOUSTON – Residents living in Midtown say bicycle thefts are becoming a big problem. Recently, more than 20 bikes were stolen from just one complex in a day.
The biggest heist came June 28 at the Rise Condominiums, where security personnel said a black Ford F-150 with a black bed cover was seen entering the parking garage unauthorized.
Surveillance video captured the pickup leaving just minutes after the bikes reportedly were cut from the rack and loaded onto the truck.
"I'm just mad that somebody could possibly have done this," said Katie McCord, whose bike was stolen. "What's gonna be next? Is it gonna be cars? Are they gonna try to get into people's houses? It's horrible."
According to security there, the same pickup was seen on video entering the gated garage again Wednesday. Just like on June 28, the truck got into the garage by following closely behind someone with the gate code.
But because the bike rack was still empty from June's theft, the driver drove to an apartment complex next door and stole two bikes.
"It's pretty unfortunate but apparently this is like stealing cash," said theft victim Juan Gonzalez. "It seems like a small crime, but when you add 20 of them, it's quite a lot."
Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to contact Houston police.