Bikes worth $22K stolen from police charity event in Phila., report says

(CBS) PHILADELPHIA - Police in Philadelphia are searching for whoever stole 15 bicycles in the upscale Rittenhouse Square area, shortly after a charity event for the families of fallen police officers, CBS Philadelphia reports.

According to the station, about 150 riders who participated in Sunday's Tour De Shore ride, which benefits the families of slain police officers, were storing their bicycles outside a pub in a gated area after the race and reportedly planned to come back and pick up their bikes the next day.

But authorities say thieves jumped a barbed wire fence sometime during the night and made off with 15 of the most expensive bikes, valued at $22,000.

"It's probably not too smart that they came and took police officers' bikes, but they did," said Mark O'Connor, a partner of the Irish pub where the bikes were reportedly stolen.

Surveillance video of the alleged theft shows someone in a white pickup driving away with more than a dozen bikes in the back, the station reports.

Police say the suspects were driving an older model light colored Ford pickup truck, possibly a Ranger. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Philadelphia Police at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or text a tip to PPD TIP or 773847, or call Central Detectives Division at 215-686-3093/3094.