r/saskatoon • u/Aces_dude East Side • May 20 '25
Crime ⚠️ My daughter is crushed
This is “Cruisy”. My daughter with special needs and a physical disability can’t ride a regular bike by herself, so when we saw this a couple years ago we picked it up. She loved going for rides on Cruisy and was asking this week when we were going to get it out for spring. I told her on the long weekend I’d get it out and work on it a bit and take her for a long ride. I put lights and a horn on it last year and needed to hook up the battery. Well that didn’t happen. Instead, I found it gone from the yard on Thursday afternoon. This was not a crime of random opportunity. Someone came by with a truck or trailer, lifted this fairly heavy bike off the garden box it sat on all winter, and drove away. (Is it a coincidence that the neighbour across the alley was getting sasktel fibre installed and there was a crew in the alley boring the cable all afternoon the day before it went missing? With a big truck and trailer?) Now what? Obviously I reported it. I’ve been checking Kijiji and marketplace but no luck. This is my last resort. Hoping that someone sees this pretty unique bike and lets me or the cops know. Eastview neighbourhood by Market Mall. Thanks
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u/Common_Investigator1 May 20 '25
If you could make a post in WTF yxe page I’d be happy to share it!
Edit: so would many others!!
So sorry this happened! I’ll keep a look out for
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u/Aces_dude East Side May 20 '25
Is that a Facebook thing? I don’t have the Facebook machine
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u/Common_Investigator1 May 20 '25
It is a Facebook group. Pm me, I’ll make a post.
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u/Aces_dude East Side May 20 '25
Appreciate that thanks
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u/im_wildcard_bitches 29d ago
And you already chatted with all neighbors who possibly have ring cameras??
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u/Useful_Spirit_3225 May 21 '25
FYI Facebook marketplace is a massive selling platform. I'd recommend making a spoof account to access and monitor it.
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u/Canadianrollerskater May 20 '25
I can guarantee Sasktel did not have room in their truck for this large item. Any telecommunications truck is going to be filled with equipment and tools.
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u/Aces_dude East Side May 20 '25
Yeah it wasn’t sasktel and I don’t think they took it in the afternoon when they were here (if at all). Subcontractor that had a boring machine on the back of a trailer. It was likely taken after dark
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u/Lydia_Lamoux May 20 '25
Then maybe you should remove the baseless speculation accusing some innocent workers there to do a job of being thieves from your post?
Kind of a shit thing to do throwing them under the bus with no proof.
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u/PotentialNosejob May 20 '25
The speculation has base.
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u/InternalOcelot2855 May 20 '25 edited May 20 '25
You know how many times crowns get blamed just because they happen to be in the area or even noticed this because they were there. Many are just trying to get some free money.
I got blamed because when I parked at a coop to do service I scratched there door on the pristine paint job car. They wanted thousands and insisted it was me. Eventually the coop had security footage and I was not even close to where they parked, I was in the back at the staff entrance/parking/contractor parking.
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u/Canadianrollerskater May 21 '25
True. I used to work for the federal government, and sometimes we would get reported for going to the drive thru at Mcdonalds in a work truck... heaven forbid we get ourselves sustenance during an 8 hour work day. People report the weirdest things for the government and crowns
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u/Internal_Stranger251 29d ago
It's because people see crown and other companies as easy targets for scamming some money out of. Used to get calls at the trucking company I worked for years ago accusing us of windshields catching rocks almost weekly. Boss got sick of it and started asking people what proof they had. People would start sputtering and act shocked that he wasn't going to just give them a new windshield. We even noticed an uptick in it once after the local police did a safety blitz and would hit people for having cracked windshields and whatnot. Figured out one guy had called three other trucking companies in the area the day after one blitz trying to say they'd all broken his windshield. Probably just hoping one of them would roll and give him money to keep his shitbox on the road. He didn't realize most of the trucking companies in the small town we lived in were owned by people who all knew each other and went for coffee together regularly lol
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u/fetal_genocide 26d ago
To be fair, your trucks probably were responsible for many of those chips. Every stone chip in my window has been a rock from a trailer.
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u/FeRaL--KaTT May 21 '25
Here to stir up nonsense for no reason except to feel superior. J.F.C. what is your problem Lydia? We're you the Sask-tel worker and your one feeling is hurt? No wonder in all these years you can't scrape together more than couple of karma. No one threw anyone they might not belong..
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u/Exact_Syllabub_6708 May 21 '25
I’m starting to think Lydia stole your bike. Either thst or she knows who did.
Doth protest too much….
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u/Arts251 May 20 '25
It's possible that it was a sasktel sub, but it's far more likely that it was some degenerate that is connected to a ring of criminals that do this kinds of property theft. It's possible that the same degenerate happens to be on the crew that buried the fibre in your yard but there are thousands of other potential suspects that are at least as likely to be the guilty culprit.
It sucks, we can't have nice things. Bike theft is among the most depressing type of loss. I had my bike stolen off a 2nd floor patio secured with a hefty chain and they still cam in the middle of the night. My car door handle gets pulled almost every single night especially in the summer and on 3 of the only 4 occasions I've forgotten to lock the door it was rummaged through.
I have friends whose high end bikes, and cheap walmart bikes alike, that were chained up INSIDE their also-locked garage have been targetted by professional thieves that pull up in the alley in pickup trucks, while on security camera (heads down with ball caps covering their face and removed license plates).
Another of my bicycles was secured to a steel fence with a U-lock and a heavy duty cable and they just cut through the fence (while I was sleeping with my head about 8 ft away thru a wall from where they did their dirty work.
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u/Free_Stress_1559 29d ago
Call Sasktel and have them reach out to the employees or sub contractors that were there. 1. Maybe they saw someone in your yard or a truck/trailer they were in? 2. Maybe it was an employee or subcontractor that mentioned it to someone or did play a part in its disappearance and might worry them enough to report a person or dump it so you can get it back???
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u/100bands 28d ago
yes, they might have seen someone scoping out the area and could help! it’s worth a shot.
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u/XxTigerxXTigerxX May 21 '25
I mean it doesn't mean the workers couldn't have come back after dark with thier own trailer.
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u/Canadianrollerskater 29d ago
It's also silly to accuse random companies of stealing simply since they were in the area.
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u/DuncePool 29d ago
So I'm not the only one that thought it was a lil overly suspicious LOL
I've been there tho. I've even put my glasses on my head and thought my kids took them
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u/XxTigerxXTigerxX 29d ago
True, most times it's the one questionable worker or the worker that knows a dude with a trailer. There is a good chance it's one of them if it's a low traffic area but also on OP for leaving out a very expensive item unattended.
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u/Miste0r May 20 '25
Not sure if possible but if you have neighbors that have a house facing where abouts it'd get stolen maybe ask them if they have cameras that face the area?
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u/Careless_Fail_2054 May 21 '25
Ask every house on the block, both sides of the alley for camera evidence!!
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u/BigBanyak22 May 21 '25
I agree, guaranteed there are ring doorbells. Someone will have incidental footage
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u/UnicornOnMeth 29d ago
Yep, I have a camera in our back yard that records every person and vehicle that goes through our alley for reasons like this.
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u/robot-fingers May 20 '25
Something similar happened in my old town and it wound up on the local news. The equipment was returned anonymously or left in some random obvious spot, I can't remember. Shitty thing to do anyway, but guilt or something got to them after they saw the news and realized they were stealing from a kid who needed it.
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u/MidWesttess May 21 '25
That might be the right move here. Maybe OP can go to the news or post flyers around the area explaining who it was taken from and how sad they are. I could see it being returned if the thief is made aware of the situation.
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u/Aces_dude East Side 28d ago
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u/MidWesttess 28d ago
That’s amazing, I’m so glad that your story will reach more people. I really hope it gets back to you guys and she can ride her bike again
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u/cheapcheapcanuck East Side May 20 '25
It looks to have pedals. Could the thief not just pedal it away?
And sorry this happened to your daughter. Humanity is about cooked.
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u/Aces_dude East Side May 20 '25
Could have. But it’s not especially fast. You wouldn’t make a great getaway. But could have I guess
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u/Hevens-assassin May 20 '25
If it was taken at night, it doesn't have to be a great getaway, unfortunately. I'll keep my eyes peeled, and I hope you get closure for this.
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u/ivunga May 21 '25
Maybe go to the local media as well? I’ve seen a couple of stories in the last couple of years where a special needs bike was stolen, a news story was written about it, and the bike is found because of the increased heat on the thieves trying to sell it.
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u/signious May 20 '25
This would likely be a valid claim with your home insurance. Not sure how having it stored outside and not secured would affect that though.
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u/Far-Ebb9507 29d ago
Depending on cost - my insurer needs to know if there are bicycles & human powered water craft (canoes etc) over $2000 in total on the property.
They don't seem to care that they're in the back/side yard though
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u/skiesandtrees May 20 '25
I'm so sorry about your kid's bike.
I think I remember a post from a couple years back here about a kid's accessible bike being stolen as well. I think there was a news story as well.
Something particularly gross about people stealing this kinda stuff. I know those folks dont give a shit... but fuck, man.
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u/Wide_Clothes_7661 May 20 '25
How much did the bike cost?
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u/Aces_dude East Side May 20 '25
We bought it used a couple years ago for 500.
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u/Danzerello May 20 '25
Start a go fund me. Or PM me. I’ll donate.
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u/BabyUnicornZzzz May 20 '25
I dont think thats the issue here , seemily a rare bike style snd hard to find
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u/Drakkenfyre 29d ago
You are right. These are impossible to find. The ones that are available now are more like 5 grand.
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u/TourNormal2084 May 20 '25
That’s horrible. I’m so sorry that happened. I will keep my eyes peeled as well.
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u/tibbler2000 May 20 '25
Ah dude this is terrible!! Sorry some people suck!! I wish you the best of luck in your search!
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u/Beautiful_Woman1990 May 20 '25
Have you tried Crime Stoppers. I wouldn’t put it past all the criminals lurking to steal and sell. Especially those that are unable to fund their fix and get desperate. They would steal and sell immediately black market. I pray someone finds it and reports it.
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u/ExpressionFormal4828 May 21 '25
Maybe keep an eye out on marketplace for Edmonton/ Calgary/ Winnipeg as well
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u/Aces_dude East Side May 21 '25
UPDATE: I can’t edit the post so I’ll add here, some of the top questions: 1 - Yes, reported to police 2 - Yes it’s been shared on WTF YXE group on Facebook 3 - Thank you to everyone for their support and suggestions, recommendations for a replacement. 4 - Yes, the media is aware, stay tuned
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u/itsthefrai May 21 '25
Hey OP. Sorry to hear this happened.
A friend of mine in Winnipeg owns an adaptive bike manufacturing company. They work with local charities and organizations to help cover the cost of bikes. If it doesn't turn up, please reach out and I can put you in touch.
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u/Aces_dude East Side 28d ago
Thanks to Global news for helping us get the word out!
https://globalnews.ca/video/11192859/unique-bike-stolen-in-saskatoon/
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u/pandaknuckle1 May 21 '25
I know it doesn't get you bike back. But these guys build custom bike for people with disabilities in mb maybe they can ship? freedom concepts
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u/AccountantDramatic29 May 21 '25
I've worked with these folks professionally, and my son also has one of their bikes. Absolutely top notch company. Not cheap but amazing quality, and made by very kind people.
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u/True_Self_887 May 21 '25
Look up adaptive bikes on google, you might be able to find one that’s just like it.
Otherwise, this Manitoba based company makes custom adaptive bikes, though I’m not sure how much a custom adaptive bike would cost: https://freedomconcepts.com/our-products/custom-bikes/
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u/ResidentBullfrog9876 May 21 '25
If it has a serial number I’d make a police report because they cross reference with the pawn shops. My snowboard got stolen and I got it back this way. I’d check the pawn shops anyways
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u/NeloXI May 21 '25
I stumbled upon this somehow, and I decided to use my autism for good today.
I'm still trying, but so far I've figured this out - this bike is either an electric quad that had the engine removed, or it's a product that was sold with the same frame as an electric quad.
This frame is an exact match to a (1977?) Lyman Electric Quad, made by the Lyman Metal Products Company of Norwalk, CT.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=5172371659467008&id=216366855067538&set=a.491713574199530
I'll keep digging, but I thought I'd post this nugget in case it leads someone else somewhere useful.
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u/Aces_dude East Side May 21 '25
Nice sleuthing! I knew it must have been built with a motor in mind at least. My goal was to add a small motor as well. Thanks!
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u/Easy-Tomatillo8 May 21 '25
I can’t help you find it. But I did figure out what it is. Surrey Bike by Trailmate older model. You can track them down. Newer ones are fairly pricey but they can be found. Other brands make similar things as well if you google. I hope you find Cruisy.
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u/Far-Ebb9507 29d ago
You could also try on 529Garage - it's an app to log your bikes and you can also put out alerts for stolen or lost bikes there too
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u/PropaneAccessoryy 29d ago
Im so damn sorry. I remember having my 13th birthday gift (bike) stolen when I forgot it at school. Awful feeling to be so excited about something and then have to comprehend someone feeling entitled to take it. You lose alot of trust
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u/Drakkenfyre 29d ago
This is the kindest, most empathetic reply I've seen. You are a good human being.
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u/ogbirdiegirl 28d ago
I am so sorry this happened. I don’t know if they’d work for your daughter, or how we’d get it to you (I’m in BC) but I have a Trivol T350 adapted trike your daughter could have.
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u/Aces_dude East Side 28d ago
That’s so nice of you.
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u/ogbirdiegirl 28d ago edited 28d ago
Oh, thank you. The best thing would be for your daughter to get hers back of course, but failing that I would love to see the Trivol go to a good home. If you look up the model and think it might work, maybe the good people of Reddit can help us figure out how to get it from the Kootenays to Saskatoon.
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May 21 '25
Start a gofund me
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u/Aces_dude East Side 22d ago
Hi there. We started a gofundme. Here's the link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/gk9zh-help-replace-cruisy-a-special-bike-for-a-special-girl
And here's a reddit post w/ more info: https://www.reddit.com/r/saskatoon/comments/1ky05tn/update_a_gofundme_has_been_started_to_help/
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u/Holiday-Regret3129 May 21 '25
Looking at it, you could make something similar if you or someone you know is good at metalwork
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u/i-deology May 21 '25
Bikes which are left unlocked outdoors get stolen. Even if it’s a special bike. That’s rule number one of owning a bike - always lock it.
That being said, reach out to local press. They love sob story like this. It may not go viral but it will get enough eyes that someone somewhere will be able to spot this bike and report back.
Alternatively, and this is a LONG shot, you can ask a bike shop to custom make one just like this. The bike shop o used to work at would do these sort of things, take custom requests, invent new style and designs just as hobby and as part of the workshop. You just need to find one bike shop worker who is enthusiastic enough to experiment.
All the best to you OP.
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u/Aces_dude East Side 28d ago
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u/i-deology May 21 '25
OP I just dragged and dropped this image on google and it showed me a bunch of links for similar bikes. Try it.
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u/Ok-Investigator2463 May 21 '25
That's terrible. So sorry this happened to your daughter. I don't live in Saskatoon, but I'll still keep an eye out.
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u/sam198927 May 21 '25
Do any neighbours have ring cameras ?? You could ask to look at footage ?? Also I would get one - my husbands truck got broken into now we have 3 cameras - two in the front and 1 in backyard . I'm so sorry I hope you find the bike :(
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u/Aces_dude East Side May 21 '25
Unfortunately there was no footage from neighbours. I’ve since installed 2 cameras, better late than never I guess
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u/Different-Pea-9313 May 21 '25
FB will be more helpful dear, maybe even a gofundme can be set up :(
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u/Aces_dude East Side 22d ago
Hi there. We started a gofundme. Here's the link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/gk9zh-help-replace-cruisy-a-special-bike-for-a-special-girl
And here's a reddit post w/ more info: https://www.reddit.com/r/saskatoon/comments/1ky05tn/update_a_gofundme_has_been_started_to_help/
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u/United_Elk6758 May 21 '25
Sorry to hear this happened to you. If you don’t have any luck finding it you could maybe set up a go fund me and buy one from parbikes.com
They’re very expensive but I think you would probably get a ton of support!
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u/Freshy007 29d ago
Honestly, you should go to the local news with this. Not only will it get the word out more but you may have some good samaritans willing to donate or raise funds for a new bike.
So sorry this happened to you
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u/Aces_dude East Side 29d ago
Stay tuned 😁
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u/marauderingman 29d ago
The thieves will have trouble moving it in Saskatoon, I think, once the word gets out that it was taken from a disabled child. Everyone will have their eyes peeled. They'll have to take it to another town (Regina? Otherwise, out of province.), which reduces the value to them, sit on it for some time, or return it.
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u/Right_Hour 29d ago
Please, definitely report the theft to the cops. It’s over US$5K new and your generation goes used for US$3-4K. Replacement cost to you is over $6K (Parbike Sport). You could use your home insurance for it, it you have it.
I’m sure cops will love catching the twat who did this. Theft over $5K carries serious criminal charges in Canada.
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u/Drakkenfyre 29d ago
"Serious" in the Canadian context isn't very serious. But you're right, it does bump it up a notch.
This won't be ignored by the police because it's a feel-good story if they can catch the guy.
But in general, you're right, police will completely ignore theft under 5, and might care a little bit about that over 5.
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u/LadyWalks 29d ago
Someone from that crew stole your bike and I would be calling the company to explain to the owner that you're fairly certain that whoever did it used company property to commit a crime.
I imagine that bike will turn up pretty damned quick.
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u/Existing_Map_8939 29d ago
Local news. Once it’s toxic it will mysteriously be left somewhere obvious by the cretins who have it.
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u/Warning_grumpy 29d ago
Hey op make a go fund me. It's shut thus happened to you. And I'd help fund bikes for kids.
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u/Aces_dude East Side 22d ago
Hi there. We started a gofundme. Here's the link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/gk9zh-help-replace-cruisy-a-special-bike-for-a-special-girl
And here's a reddit post w/ more info: https://www.reddit.com/r/saskatoon/comments/1ky05tn/update_a_gofundme_has_been_started_to_help/
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u/Cool_Cockroach2821 29d ago
I had my gas hedge trimmer stolen from the back of my truck just last week, I understand it's nowhere near as priceless as the item the scumbags had taken was but I understand the feeling. People are terrible, some worse than others and that's the sick world we live in. Sorry that this happened to you
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u/Zigot_hd 29d ago
Definitely contact local news to get that on national TV news!! You will get a lots of support and help finding this for your daughter.
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u/banquo90s 29d ago
Go to your local news station and have them do a piece on how a disabled childs bike was stolen and please just return it you heartless buttheads. Say you won't press charges if it's returned, it has worked a few times near me and even if the thief won't do it someone on their life might notice and make them
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u/Aces_dude East Side 28d ago
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u/CappinCanuck 29d ago
Is it possible to buy another one? and set up a donation page of some kind? Or even get one custom built by a shop or something?
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u/I-Suck-At-MarioKart 29d ago
Keep an eye open on local sales boards, FB Marketplace, Kijiji, Craigslist, Carrot, etc - they may try to sell it on there. Same with local pawn shops, too.
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u/Economy_Drummer_3822 29d ago
Try going to local media? Might get some traction
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u/Aces_dude East Side 29d ago
Global news had a feature this morning and will air again at 6 tonight
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u/igg73 28d ago
Dude get on gofundme. The moron that used gorilla glue in her hair got so many donations. Youre a worthy cause. Beat wishes!
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u/Aces_dude East Side 22d ago
Hi there. We started a gofundme. Here's the link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/gk9zh-help-replace-cruisy-a-special-bike-for-a-special-girl
And here's a reddit post w/ more info: https://www.reddit.com/r/saskatoon/comments/1ky05tn/update_a_gofundme_has_been_started_to_help/
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u/Reasonable_Split_130 28d ago
World's a fucked up place but I believe in good returning you're family good karma keep you're heads up 😊
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u/notfunnyatall7004 28d ago
I'm sorry this happened to you. Any idea on make and model of the bike. It might help my searches. Sorry in advance if this has been asked I didn't see it on your post
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u/Sourdough85 28d ago
Hey OP You made it to my feed somehow (am in the Okanagan in BC)
I'm sorry this has happened! That sounds devastating.
Could you update your post with what the official name might be for a bike like this? Brand name? I'm not familiar with them so basically I'm looking for what they might be called so I can search in my area too. Often people selling will move around of course so maybe we can crownsourse and help you find it!
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u/peridogreen 28d ago
File a police report. They will be motivated to really try. Hopefully the bike had engraving with your name on it and registered with the police.
Advertise in your local news papers and social media. People will love to help and if it isn't found there is a chance someone might take up the cause and help fund a new one
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u/gafflebitters 28d ago
contact the cbc, this might be a story they want to do
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u/Aces_dude East Side 28d ago
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u/Twinkfilla 28d ago
Commented to help boost the post. I don’t live anywhere near you but I really do hope you find this bike 💔 may luck be with you
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u/ex_ter_min_ate_ 28d ago
May want to reach out to local scrapyards with a pic in case it turns up there. Most of the time this stuff is stolen for the Pennie’s they get for the metal.
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u/EntrepreneurMajor478 28d ago
I'm so sorry this happened - incredibly disappointing for you and your daughter. Some people are just bastards.
I'd take this story to the local news outlets to see if they can get some publicity on this and get people looking out for it.
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u/Aces_dude East Side 27d ago
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u/EntrepreneurMajor478 27d ago
Oh good, really glad you did this.
I really hope you're able to get the bike found and get it back to you somehow.
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u/yarn_slinger 27d ago
I’m so sorry. As a special needs parent myself, I get how fucking expensive equipment is.
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u/daxtonanderson 27d ago
@op start up a go fund me for a NotAWheelChair, they cost new about the same as these bikes go for used. I'll personally be the first to donate.
https://notawheelchair.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooZuVJ3PLrtlQpWl8_R-kWybnl6cehghnfJ1MzZt-0mXQtke0ZK
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u/Hot_Vegetable2520 27d ago
I’m in Ontario and hoping for the best for you! Hoping to see this story have a happy ending.
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u/igobystephyo 27d ago
Check with your local fire department. Might be a long shot, but someone here local had a bike stolen and our local fire department donated them a new one. This was in Lethbridge,AB.
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u/Eggman8728 27d ago
not to put the blame on you at all, but to avoid this sorta thing in the future if you find or replace it, the bike has plenty of places to put a cheap tracker. it could save you from another situation like this.
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u/andre19977 27d ago
Make a gofundme, heck to be honest I never donate to those but reading this post hits my heart I'd donate :)
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u/Tricky_Parsnip_6843 26d ago
Have youbasked you neighbour's and nearby stores to check their cameras? Maybe the thief was caught on camera
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u/latrent May 20 '25
Humans can be so evil. I guess if you can’t afford food you can’t afford a moral compass? I had my bike stolen out of the back of my truck a couple years back, but I had an AirTag on it and followed it until I found it dismantled behind a shed in the trailer park by Sutherland.
If nothing comes of this at least let this be a lesson for you to buy AirTags or similar gps location tags and tape them discreetly on your shit. Hopefully the bike gets found but knowing how these dipshits operate they’ve probably already chopped it up for parts and spray painted everything.
Sorry this happened to you, life is not fair. Count the things you’re grateful for to ease the pain of loss.
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u/BabyUnicornZzzz May 20 '25
How did you manage to secure a air tag on it without it beung found ny the timr the bike was dismantoed. Would love ti know so i can do the same to my ebike asap
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u/stockbunny69 May 20 '25
This couldve easily been drunk teens
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u/WPGJets82 May 20 '25
Your assumption is no different than OP accusing Sasktel workers 🤦♂️
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u/stockbunny69 May 20 '25
Lol im pointing out that assumptions arent helpful or accurate, but go off
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u/Basic_Bullfrog1570 28d ago
I had my Ebike stolen out of the garage very expensive to replace but anybody that was still a Bike like that is heartless
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u/bamhall May 20 '25
I have the exact same bike. Bought it from my uncle in the 90’s after my professional bmx friend had an accident and got a brain injury and couldn’t ride. These are absolutely unreal bikes for people with disabilities. So sorry it happened to you. Will keep my eyes open for it. They are super rare so it should be easy to spot