Long Beach Cops Nab 2 Bicycle-Theft Suspects

​We told you last month that as Long Beach has become more bicycle friendly, bike thefts have risen.

• As Bicycling is Embraced, Bike Thefts Rise

The Police Department announced it has arrested two suspected of ripping off two-wheelers.

The Long Beach Press-Telegram has the scoop.

"Caught you red handed, kid."

​A homeowners association at a condominium complex near Fifth Street and Pine Avenue distributed fliers alerting residents to recent bike thefts. Included was a surveillance photo of one thief.

A resident noticed someone resembling Sir Sticky Fingers in the condominium parking structure on July 31 and called police. Officers arrived and arrested 35-year-old Mark Esley Shields on suspicion of residential burglary, petty theft with a prior and possession of burglary tools.

An officer on patrol near Pacific Avenue and 12th Street on Aug. 8 noticed a man on a women's-style bike committing several moving violations.

After stopping the chap, it was discovered he was on probation for theft and had several stolen items with him, including the bike.

Justin Wosick, 25, of Long Beach was arrested on suspicion of residential burglary, petty theft and possession of marijuana. The stolen property was returned to its owners.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has filed eight felony counts against Shields and two felony counts against Wosick, the P-T reports.