Austin Man Stole $1M Worth Of Bikes, Snowblowers And More, Police Say

By Stephen Gossett in News on Jul 15, 2016 7:42PM

Photo of stolen goods courtesy of the Chicago Police Department

If you've had a bicycle or power tools or scaffolding equipment stolen in the recent past, you might want to visit the Community Room of the 15th District Police Station this weekend. The Chicago Police Department announced on Friday the recovery of up to $1 million (!) worth of stolen merchandise from Jerome Brown, 53, of Austin.

Brown was charged with one count of felony theft of items between $500 and $10,000. He was also charged with possession of marijuana and possession of an unlicensed firearm, according to police. Brown admitted to selling stolen goods for the past decade, police said in a statement.

CPD’s Asset Forfeiture Unit conducted a search warrant on June 30 of Brown's property. The AFU tasked undercover officers to corroborate tips that Brown was running the stolen-property operation from his home in order to secure a search warrant.

Recovered items include bicycles, snow blowers, landscaping equipment, power tools, construction-grade equipment and other hardware-related goods, according to the statement. Police believe the items are from Cook County.

Victims of theft can go to the 15th District Police Community Room (5701 W. Madison Ave.) on Friday or Saturday. Friday's viewing runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday’s viewing is 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.