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A Vernon teenager who had saved up his money to buy a bike this summer has been reunited with his prized possession after it was stolen earlier this week.
The bike was locked up outside the main entrance of the Vernon Recreation Centre on Tuesday, but it was taken around 6:30 pm.
Police learned that a man approached the bike rack, cut the lock and fled the area on the stolen bike.
It happened in a busy area, however, and a witness immediately told RCMP officers about the theft and provided a detailed description of the suspect.
They had no luck finding the suspect or the stolen bike that night, but that changed in the morning.
Officers beginning their day shift learned about the theft and suspect from the previous night and instantly knew where to track him down.
“Our crime reduction unit immediately recognized the distinct description given for the suspect as an individual they had interaction with this summer,” said Cpl. Tania Finn.
“Within a few minutes of hitting the streets, the crime reduction unit located the suspect in an area he was known to frequent and recovered the stolen mountain bike.”
The 31-year-old Alberta man was arrested and remains in custody facing charges of theft under $5,000 and possession of stolen property.
Now reunited with his bike, the teen can enjoy the final few days of summer before heading back to school in September.
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