When ASU police assisted Tempe officers in the execution of a search warrant at a Tempe apartment, they found five bicycles that authorities believe might have been stolen from campus.
The bicycles were recovered and impounded by police. They are being stored at the ASU police station.
The warrant, executed by officers last week in the 1900 block of East Don Carlos Road, was intended to investigate reported drug violations and suspected theft, authorities said. Four suspects were taken into custody by Tempe police officers.
"None of the bicycles recovered during the search match the serial numbers for stolen bikes reported to the ASU police," ASU police Lt. John Sutton said.
The bikes may belong to students who reported their bikes stolen but did not know the serial numbers, he added.
"This is an attempt for owners who may not have reported their bikes stolen or may not have had the serial numbers available to come to our office and view a bike that matches the description of one we have recovered," Sutton said.
Among the bicycle models recovered were a black and red Roadmaster Mountain Furry, a chrome BMX Mongoose Hoop D, a white Mongoose Hoop D, a green Magna and a red Schwinn Solution.
Two ASU police officers were involved in the execution of the search warrant, which was issued out of East Tempe Justice Court.
"We hope this initial seizure will lead us to some suspects and, of course, other bikes," Sutton said.
Detective Robert Russo, one of the officers involved, could not comment as to the identity of the suspects or any potential relationship to ASU.
"Because the case is pending, we can't disclose too many details about the suspects or the case until it is adjudicated," he said.
In a related bicycle issue, Sutton said police have received several reports of bicycles being locked to stair railings and other public traffic areas.
Though there isn't a specific campus location where bicycles frequently are locked to railings, bicycles in areas where there is heavy foot traffic pose a safety hazard.
Journalism and political science junior Megan Irwin rides her vintage 1960s Schwinn to school every day and said that bikes locked to stair railings are probably more at risk for theft.
"I always lock my bike to a bike rack," Irwin said. "I had a junk bike stolen from my apartment because I didn't lock it up. I learned my lesson."
Students who suspect one of the recovered bicycles might belong to them may contact the ASU police department at (480) 965-6090.
Reach the reporter at kelly.vaughn@asu.edu.
