Scenes from the raid at The Bicycle Clinic
By Matthew Coutts, National Post
A cheering crowd of counter-culture Queen Westers gathered outsideThe Bicycle Clinic to watch as police and fire crews pulledhigh-end bikes from the overpacked local bike shop last night, oneday after the store"s owner was arrested for stealing bikes inthe Queen Street West area.
Those who were at the late-night raid described the scene as acelebration, as strangers gathered and swapped stories, exchangedSoohs and aahs as the bikes were funneled from the shop into amoving truck and applaud as a shop many described as a Sblightwas shut down.
SIt was becoming a street fest, said Verha Kohut, a 10-yeararea resident who walked by the scene with her stepdaughter. SImean, last night was like a scene out of a movie. I almost wishthat I was a film producer because this was rich. One kind of wantsa big camera and a boom (microphone) and go, K, this is it.This is a scene I can film and put into a flick.
The sweep came one day after store owner Igor Kenk was arrested forbike theft, after police allegedly watched the long-time ownerdirect another man to steal two bikes parked at nearby TrinityBellwood Park.
Police and fire crews funneled nearly 150 bikes out of the store,the accused"s residence and a nearby storage garage. Det. Sgt. EdRoseto described the crowd as excited, enthusiastic and thankful.
SWhen a nice bike would come out of the second floor windowthere, the people across the street would all start clapping. Thecrowd gathered there would cheer and clap, he said, laughing.SThey looked very happy that we executed that search warrant. Wegot a great reception from the community last night.
Bike theft in the area has become a major concern, Det. Sgt. Rosetosaid, with 96 bikes reported stolen in the past six weeks.
The store is unrelated to the Bike Clinic on Harbord Street nearOssington.
Mr. Kenk, 49, and Jean Laveau, 47, are each charged with theft,attempted theft, possession of stolen property and possession ofburglary tools.
The recovered bicycles are available for public viewing tomorrowand Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Central Garage at 9 HannaStreet.
Photos by Phill Snel, National Post. Below is the Toronto Police pressrelease, issued this morning:
Toronto Police Service
News Release
Search warrants lead to recovery of 150 high-end bicycles, Rightfulowners sought, 14 Division
Friday, July 18, 2008 - 11:35 AM
14 Division
416-808-1400
On Wednesday, July 16, 2008, the 14 Division Community ResponseUnit (CRU) began a bicycle-theft investigation.
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