Hoboken Police Nab 12 Suspected Bike Thieves

HOBOKEN, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Twelve suspected bike thieves are under arrest in Hoboken.

Police said they rounded up the group at two locations Monday night.

Five suspects were caught trying to steal bikes from a parking garage on Clinton Street, police said. One of the suspects had bolt cutters used to cut bike chains and another was carrying stolen credit cards, police said.

While checking the surrounding area, police found a second group trying to steal bikes at Third and Garden streets.

A detective sustained significant injuries after he was pushed into an oncoming car during a struggle with one of the suspects, police said. The officer is now on leave.

Another officer was treated for minor cuts he sustained while chasing two other suspects.

Hoboken Police Captain Charles Campbell said bicycle thefts have been plaguing Hoboken and surrounding communities.

"We're getting hit pretty bad," Campbell told 1010 WINS.

He calls it a crime of opportunity.

"The only way to cease it is the community has to help the police," Campbell said. "The community has to help us out by target hardening, which means you can't leave your $200, $300, $1,000 bike secured to a fence outside your house. It's not secure."

The suspects face several charges including burglary, criminal mischief, resisting arrest, and aggravated assault.

Ten suspects are between the ages of 13 and 17.

Two other suspects, 20-year old Jose Gomez of Union City and 21-year old Jorge Monroy of West New York, were released on summonses and given court appearance dates.