Thieves Steal Over $23K in School Bicycles, Including Adaptive Rides for Students with Disabilities
VANCOUVER, Wash. — Authorities are asking for the public’s help after thieves broke into a storage trailer at Salmon Creek Elementary School, making off with more than $23,000 worth of bicycles and equipment—including specialized rides built for students with disabilities.
Deputies with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office responded to the campus on Monday, Nov. 2, after staff discovered that a secure trailer holding the school’s physical education fleet had been breached. The bikes were provided through a grant-funded bicycle safety education program.
Surveillance footage captured two unidentified individuals unloading bikes from the trailer around 1:30 a.m.
Provided by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office
In total, 18 bicycles were taken. Among the stolen gear were three adaptive bicycles designed for students with diverse physical needs, including a recumbent tricycle, as well as standard models from Haro and Fairdale.
Investigators made progress the following day, recovering six of the stolen bicycles—valued at roughly $7,800—in the nearby Hazel Dell neighborhood. However, 12 bicycles remain missing, and no suspects have been identified or taken into custody.
Deputies noted that several of the missing bikes feature distinctive color patterns that make them easy to spot.
Investigators are urging local residents to watch neighborhood buy-sell groups, pawn shops, and streets for the missing equipment. Anyone with information regarding the theft or the location of the remaining bikes is asked to call the Clark County non-emergency line at 311 and reference case #26008263.