Crashing is part of cycling as crying is part of love.
Johan Museeuw
- The Lion of Flanders
By Kimberly King
ASHEVILLE, N.C.—In a shocking incident, Jeff Greiner, owner of the Adventure Center of Asheville, is conducting his own investigation after thieves broke into his secured bike shop, making off with eight bikes valued at over $37,000. The theft, which includes three expensive electric bikes, has left Greiner and his staff frustrated, especially as the Asheville Police Department (APD) struggles with staffing shortages, delaying a thorough investigation
The incident occurred when thieves broke into Greiner’s locked bike shop, which is located on the Adventure Center’s property. The stolen bikes included three electric bikes intended for guest use, a specialty trail bike valued at over $7,500, and several other high-end bikes belonging to staff members. The loss has deeply affected the Adventure Center’s operations, particularly since the electric bikes are integral to their offerings for visitors.
Greiner described the situation as “frustrating and disappointing,” expressing his disbelief that such an event could occur despite the security measures in place. He shared that the electric bikes alone are worth thousands of dollars each, making them a significant loss not just financially, but also in terms of the center’s ability to provide services to guests.
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the theft was the loss of a bike belonging to Evan Kearse, a staff member who also runs the bike camp at the Adventure Center. Kearse had saved for over a year to purchase his bike, a Transition Spire that cost over $7,500. “It was the first bike I had saved up for and bought on my own,” Kearse said, adding that he was incredibly excited about the purchase. The emotional attachment to the bike makes the loss even harder to bear. “We’re all pretty emotionally attached to them,” Kearse noted, reflecting the sentiment of many in the biking community who view their bikes as more than just equipment.
In the wake of the theft, Greiner has been forced to take on the role of investigator, a task made necessary by the current staffing shortages at the Asheville Police Department. According to Greiner, no detective has been able to visit the site to investigate the theft due to the department’s focus on more violent crimes. “They’re very challenged with the shortage of staff that they have,” Greiner explained. He acknowledged the difficult position the police department is in, stating, “Their indication is their focus has to be on violent crime, and I get that.” This understanding, however, does little to alleviate the frustration of having to manage the situation on his own.
Despite the challenges, Greiner has been proactive in his efforts to recover the stolen bikes. He has gone door-to-door, visiting local businesses to raise awareness about the theft and gather any possible leads. His determination highlights the resourcefulness and resilience of small business owners who often have to step up when traditional support systems fall short.
Rick Rice, a spokesperson for the Asheville Police Department, confirmed that the department is indeed facing significant staffing challenges, which have impacted their ability to respond to certain cases promptly. Rice explained that while an APD staff member did record the details of the theft on the same day Greiner filed the report, the department’s resources are stretched thin. “It appears that Mr. Greiner entered the theft into P2C (Police To Citizen) on August 9 with minimal information,” Rice said via email. “A member of the Asheville Police Department reached out to him the same day requesting additional information and was able to obtain more details like the specific items stolen and their serial numbers. Those items were then entered by that staff member into the NCIC registry.” Rice encouraged Greiner to submit any surveillance stills he might have, although technical issues with the video cameras at the bike shop meant that no footage was captured during the break-in.
The staffing shortage at the APD has been a growing concern for the Asheville community, with many residents and business owners feeling the effects of reduced police presence. The department has been struggling to fill positions, leading to longer response times and a focus on prioritizing more serious crimes. For non-violent crimes like theft, this often means that cases do not receive the immediate attention that victims might expect.
For Greiner, the absence of immediate police support has been disheartening, but it has not diminished his resolve. He and his staff have taken to social media, posting photos of the stolen bikes and appealing to the community for any information that might lead to their recovery. The power of community networks and the hope that someone might recognize the bikes has become their best chance at getting them back. Kearse, too, remains hopeful that his beloved Transition Spire bike might be found. “I’ve got some listings on Facebook as well,” he said, clinging to the possibility that social media might provide the break they need.
In addition to these grassroots efforts, Greiner is taking steps to enhance security at the Adventure Center. He plans to invest in more robust surveillance equipment and reinforce the locks on the bike shop, aiming to prevent future thefts. These measures, while necessary, are also a reminder of the increasing challenges faced by small business owners in safeguarding their property, especially when external support is limited.
After News 13 reached out to the APD, Greiner finally received a call from a detective to discuss the theft, a small but important step towards finding the stolen bikes. However, the overall experience has left him feeling that, in situations like these, small business owners often have to fend for themselves.
As the search for the stolen bikes continues, Greiner remains hopeful that his efforts, combined with the support of the Asheville community, will lead to a resolution. In the meantime, anyone with information is encouraged to contact him directly at 828-713-3475. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that small businesses face and the importance of community solidarity in times of need.
You can check out the Adventure Center of Asheville, which offers outdoor adventures just 5 minutes from downtown Asheville.
