The Incident

In a recent development, Miami Beach Police successfully apprehended a group of bike thieves, a breakthrough largely credited to the efforts of bike theft victim, Gayle Durham. Durham’s bicycle was stolen from the bike storage area of her condominium at Flamingo Point along Bay Road, which she believed was secure.

Tracking the Thieves

Durham, determined to recover her valuable bicycle, utilized a GPS tracking device. “I got a ping here, a ping there,” she explained during an interview. With the assistance of local law enforcement, who responded to her calls three times, she was able to trace her bicycle to an apartment building located at 1450 Lenox Avenue.

Operation Rolling Wheels

Her persistent tracking efforts unveiled a larger issue within the Miami Beach area. This led to the launch of “Operation Rolling Wheels,” a proactive initiative by the police to combat the increasing incidence of bicycle thefts. The operation culminated in a police raid just days after Durham reported her theft.

Recovery of Stolen Goods

During the raid at the Lenox Avenue location, law enforcement officials uncovered a “chop shop” where stolen bicycles and accessories were found. Alongside Durham’s bicycle, the police recovered several high-end bicycles and scooters, including one valued at $12,000 and another at $7,000. These items were reportedly disassembled and stored in the courtyard.

“One of the guys had like a makeshift table in the alleyway,” Durham recounted, “and he was selling my bike and jewelry as if he were at a bazaar.”

Arrests and Charges

Following the operation, police arrested three individuals—Willian Alvarado, Brayan Alcantu, and Andys Rodriguez del Toro—who now face numerous charges, including grand theft and burglary. All three are currently held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in West Miami-Dade.

A Growing Concern

Reflecting on her experience, Durham expressed frustration and concern about the prevalence of bike thefts in Miami Beach. “Oh, yeah, for sure,” she replied when questioned about the extent of the issue, noting that many others have shared similar experiences of stolen bicycles.