Arcata Police Dept. Press Release:

The City of Arcata and specifically the Valley West Area, have seen a significant number of bicycle thefts. In an attempt to proactively combat this ongoing problem, on 06/22/2013 the Arcata Police Department conducted a “Bicycle Sting” operation in the Valley West Area. A bicycle was left unsecured in an identified high crime location. Officers then conducted surveillance on the bicycle.

During the course of the operation, 41 year old Justin Lawson of Arcata, was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Jail for 487 PC - grand theft, after he took possession of the bicycle and attempted to flee the scene.

The Arcata Police Department will continue to conduct this type of operation in the future in an attempt to deter the theft of personal property from the residents of Arcata.