COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A University District business is now working to put the brakes on a crew of thieves after an early morning break-in inside a long-time bike shop.
Thieves made off with scooters, e-bikes, and more from Capital City Scooters early Saturday morning, said Caitlin Martineau, the owner of the shop located in the So-Hud neighborhood of the University District.
“Most of our bikes that were stolen were used, and they were back here,” said Martineau, as she showed where the theft occurred.
The burglars broke into the garage, taking scooter models including Lance and SYM, as well as e-bike models such as Scoot Star, Rock Star, and Track Star.
“They didn’t take any titles,” Martineau said, urging anyone approached to buy a scooter to contact the police.
The thieves spent over an hour at the scene, stealing not only scooters and e-bikes but also cash, credit cards, tools, and computers. “They rifled through my desk, going through all the doors,” Martineau added.
During the burglary, the shop’s long-time cat, Taco, was also present.
“She was hiding for the first few hours,” said Martineau, but she did come out.”
ABC 6 reached out to Columbus police multiple times this week to inquire if any suspects have been identified or arrested and whether the burglary could be linked to other similar crimes, but police have not responded.
After the break-in, the bike shop enhanced security by adding reinforcement bars to garage doors and increasing security cameras.
“It’s really hard to be a small business owner,” said Martineau. “You don’t make a lot of money, you work really hard.”
