‘I’m as broke as you are. You stole from the wrong kind of person.?
That was Jenni Lynn Williams? message to the person or persons who recently pilfered her older brother’s high-end bicycle from the Park Villa Apartments property off Pontiac St. in Oxford.
Williams, 25, who is staying at her grandparents? home on N. Glaspie St., doesn’t own an automobile, so she borrowed her older brother’s bicycle to ride over to a friend’s apartment in the wee hours of the morning on Saturday, Feb. 20.
She said she parked it outside in a spot where she could see it from the apartment window. She didn’t lock it. She saw other bikes around and assumed it would be safe.
‘I was there all day Saturday,? Williams said.
When she went to leave around 4 p.m., the bike was gone. Following the theft, Williams learned of its value and was quite shocked.
It’s a Tern Eclipse S11i folding bike. The bike sells for $2,500, but she said her brother bought his for $2,300.
Williams had no idea.
‘Obviously, whoever saw it knew a lot more about the bike than I did,? she said. ‘To me, it was just something with two wheels. I didn’t realize it was so fancy. I’ve never even paid that much for a car.?
Williams feels terrible because this has greatly upset her brother and she cannot afford to pay him for the loss or replace the bike.
Right now, she’s unemployed. She’s trying to find some part-time work within walking distance of her grandparents? home. She’s also hoping to get a new business off the ground.
‘I’m trying to start my own digital archiving business,? Williams said.
Williams can somewhat ‘sympathize? with whoever stole the bike.
‘Knowing how expensive it is, I’m sure they’re trying to pawn it because they’re desperate for money,? she said. ‘I know what it’s like to be broke.?
She hopes the thief or thieves will read this story, or see one of the 25 to 30 flyers she posted around town, and choose to return the bike. ‘I just hope they understand they didn’t steal it from somebody who has beaucoup money,? Williams said.
She doesn’t want to see the person or persons responsible prosecuted. She promises not to say a word to anyone about who did it if she finds out. She just wants her brother’s bike back where it belongs.
‘Forgive and forget,? Williams said.
Anyone with information about the stolen bike is asked to please call Williams at (248) 931-7599.