Avalon Police have charged a 25-year old Philadelphia woman with theft in connection with a bicycle theft sting operation that was conducted early Friday morning, July 30th, 2010.
Avalon Police placed a bicycle at the corner of 35th Street and Ocean Avenue during the early morning hours of July 30th. At approximately 1:12am, a woman approached the bicycle, got on it, and started to ride away. Avalon Patrolman Robert Hampf, along with special officers Stephen Bowers and Stephen Weiss, witnessed the theft and stopped the woman one block away from where she stole the bicycle.
The suspect has been identified as 25-year old Lauren Schappert, who resides in Philadelphia, PA. Ms. Schappert was charged with one count of theft, 2C:20-3.
The Avalon Police Department continues to crack down on bicycle thefts in the Borough. Police remind residents and visitors that bicycle thefts are crimes of opportunity, and bikes should be locked, or kept in secure buildings when not in use. Avalon Police have begun a free, voluntary bicycle registration program to help identify and recover bicycles that are stolen. To register your bicycle with the Avalon Police Department, visit the Avalon Public Safety Building at 31st Street and Dune Drive.
