[Closed] Stolen bike back after 6 months

Hi

Thought I'd let you know about my stolen bike that got recovered.

I had my orange Genesis Core 40 stolen from the 'secure' lock up at Chelmsford train station one morning in march this year. I admit I was using a very cheap chain lock and the buggers just cut right through it ( live and learn!). It was only the second day I'd started riding to the station so they didn't waste any time.

The transport police admitted that their cameras that film this area didn't work so I gave up hope of ever seeing it again. Still it was reported, a crime number issued, and I did get a payout from the insurance company. I also put an email alert on eBay for anything matching 'Genesis Core 40'.

A few of these bikes came up on eBay over the next few months, then about three weeks ago I had an email from eBay. This one was the right colour and had five or six marks on the frame, seat, break leavers etc etc that made me pretty sure it was my bike. The seller gave very little description, basically saying 'it has front suspension and disc breaks' which I also thought a little odd for someone selling a £1300 bike.

I called the police and said 'I think it's my bike' and listed them about ten distinguishing marks. The eBay advert also had an address which was in the same county so I duly told the police all the details.

So anyway they went to the house with my description and were reasonably satisfied the bike was mine. The ad got ended early ( as people were bidding on it), the police called me to say they had it in their posession, now I just have to buy it back from the insurance company. Not sure I'll bother though, I have a new bike now, and maybe it's been abused. If they'll let it go for £50 then maybe, it'll do for a winter bike I guess.

Oh and I now have a Abus Granite X lock....

Anyone else ever had their stolen bike returned after a long time?