Two Men Arrested for Winnetka Bike Thefts

Winnetka police have arrested two men for bike thefts as part of a surveillance investigation that began a week ago.

Brian Battaglino, 48, of Waukegan, has been charged with one count of felony theft and one count of felony possession of burglary tools, and Michael Hawkins, 42, of Chicago, has been charged with one count of felony theft, police said. 

Both men have previous criminal convictions and are known bike thieves, according to Winnetka police. They were caught separately as part of the investigation.

Police included the following reminder to residents about how to keep your bikes safe:

As the weather improves, more and more people will be riding their bicycles to various locations throughout the area, and criminals know it. Criminals are always looking for an opportunity. When a bicycle is left unlocked it makes for an easy steal. Using a lock to secure your bicycle can reduce this opportunity and help protect your bicycle from theft.

The Winnetka Police Department encourages residents to register their bicycles for free at the police station. Having your bike registered will assist the Police Department in locating the appropriate owner should the bicycle be recovered after it is lost or stolen.

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