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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Duluth - Police Department
Mike Ceynowa, Chief of Police
2030 North Arlington Avenue • Duluth, Minnesota 55811 • www.duluthmn.gov
For more information contact:
Public Information Officer, Mattie Hjelseth at (218) 730-5434 or mhjelseth@duluthmn.gov
DATE: 8/9/2019
SUBJECT: Undercover Operation Nabs Duluth Serial Bike Thief
BY: Lt. Robin M. Roeser

NATURE OF INCIDENT:
CASE NO.:
INCIDENT DATE:
INCIDENT TIME:
INCIDENT LOCATION:

In July of 2019, investigators from the Duluth Police Department and Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force uncovered evidence of a suspect who was stealing bicycles in Duluth and then selling them at a fraction of the actual value. Investigators initiated an undercover investigation where five stolen bikes were purchased directly from the suspect. Investigators identified the suspect as 29-year-old Keith Brian Boshey of Duluth. 

On August 7, 2019, investigators conducted the final undercover purchase of a stolen bicycle. Boshey was arrested after selling the bicycle to undercover investigators. Investigators simultaneously executed a search warrant at a residence in the 2800 block of West 1st Street in Duluth. Boshey was using this residence to house more stolen bicycles and other stolen property. Boshey confessed to stealing numerous bicycles over the past month. Boshey was lodged at the Saint Louis County Jail in Duluth pending formal charges.

On August 9, 2019, Boshey was formally charged in Saint Louis County District Court with Felony Receiving Stolen Property. 

Boshey has previous criminal convictions for two separate cases of Theft of a Motor Vehicle, 2nd Degree Assault, 2nd Degree Burglary, 5th Degree Assault, False Name to a Police Officer, and Felony Theft. Additionally, Boshey is currently out on pretrial release for a Possession of Heroin charge.

So far this year the Duluth Police Department has investigated 85 reports of stolen bicycles.

Here are some tips on bicycle theft prevention;

  • Use two high quality locks.
  • Secure the seat and wheels.
  • Lock your bike to something permanent and in front of cameras if possible.
  • Lock it tight. Whatever lock you use, make sure you lock the frame and the wheels to something immovable.
  • Invest in a GPS tracking device.
  • Always bring your bike inside at night.
  • Use common sense; do not give thieves an easy opportunity. 
  • Take good photographs and record its details, like the model and color, as well as the serial. number.  This way if your bicycle is stolen it can be returned to you if it is recovered. 

Please consider registering your bicycle with the City of Duluth Police Department. Registering your bicycle greatly increases the chances it will be returned to you if recovered. You can register your bike(s) for free at:

https://duluthmn.gov/police/information-services/register-your-bicycle/

Keith Brian Boshey
Keith Brian Boshey