Investigation into Md. cycle shop tied to larger effort targeting illegal bikes

Two vintage custom motorbike cafe racer motorcycle one with grill headlight another with tape cross over optic on empty rooftop parking lot during sunset. Hipster lifestyle. Lamp lights turned on.(Getty Images/iStockphoto/Nikkolia)

WASHINGTON — A motorcycle shop in Temple Hills, Maryland, is under investigation for possibly having stolen bikes.

Police were seen Thursday swarming around Clinton Cycles on Old Branch Avenue, and tow trucks hauled away some of the bikes. NBC Washington described it as a police raid; glass was broken and police lined employees up in front of the shop to be photographed.

Some customers who brought their bikes in for repairs never saw them again, sources told NBC Washington.

Cpl. Nicole Hubbard with Prince George’s County police told WTOP that the investigation is ongoing. “This investigation is part of our proactive effort to stop bike racing and ATV use on our roadways, so we can keep everyone safe this summer,” she said.

Illegal bikes and ATVs have become a problem in many parts of the D.C. region in recent years.

After riders flooded into National Harbor last June and were seen riding on sidewalks, Prince George’s County police teamed up with Maryland State Police for a special enforcement operation over Labor Day weekend.

Other parts of the D.C. area, including the District, and Baltimore have been wrestling with similar problems.

Hubbard said the public can help: “Please call police and let us know where you see them.”

Michelle Basch

Michelle Basch is a reporter turned morning anchor at WTOP News.

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