Guardian Angels tip breaks up bike theft ring
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE

BATH - An unidentified member of Bath's fledgling Guardian Angels chapter has been credited with helping police break up a bicycle theft ring.

Bath police Wednesday announced the arrest of a Bath teenager who allegedly stole bicycles from Bath residences, took them apart and reassembled them into different bikes.

Police made the arrest after a member of the Bath Guardian Angels told police Chief Dave Rouse he had received information about the illegal operation.

"One of the members came into the police station and discussed some information he was hearing that caused him concern," Rouse said Wednesday. "It did seem to be very suspicious, so at that point I assigned two patrol officers. ... (They) opened up a Pandora's box."

Police have charged Mathew Geyer, 18, of Bath with fifth degree criminal possession of stolen property, alleging Geyer has stolen "several" bicycles and disassembled them. Geyer allegedly was working out of a rental apartment with an undisclosed address, and Rouse said additional arrests are expected.

Village police, he said, made the arrest after visiting the apartment and talking with individuals who voluntarily described the operation.

"It came together quite easily," Rouse said of the arrest. "No warrant was needed."

The unidentified Guardian Angels member followed the protocol Rouse has been urging during meetings with the Guardian Angels chapter. In particular, Rouse has advised Guardian Angels members not to make citizens' arrests and refer suspicious activity to police for investigation.

"He did exactly what I've been trying to emphasize," Rouse said. "Call us, let the police investigate, let the police do what they're trained to do."