MACKINAC ISLAND, MI - On a Michigan island famously known for its bicycle traffic, Mackinac Island’s police chief found himself the victim of a bike thief last week when his trusty two-wheeled steed was taken - and later found abandoned at a known party spot near the island’s edge.
As he often likes to do, Chief Doug Topolski narrated the criminal drama with a little humor on social media, explaining what he had in store for the scofflaws: He predicted “much ID-checking and inspections for the Devil’s Lettuce.”
We’re sharing this tidbit with readers not because it’s high crime, but just as a slice-of-life peek at the island and the way the chief relates daily activities to the department’s online followers. The highlights:
On Saturday, June 25, Topolski shares news of the theft: “Someone just took my bike from in front of the library. Black Acapulco Giant with a ripped seat and black basket. Reward for whomever turns in the taker.”
Some good-natured ribbing ensues, in which his friends suggest he call the police - or pick up a free bike lock from the department.
On Sunday, June 26, Topolski says his bike has been recovered - and details how he plans to react to the likely suspect(s): “Midnight Shift found my bike so I have to get them pizza now. I wonder what adventures it went on.
“It was at mile marker 7 in an area where the youngsters have been known to party. Well, it looks like there will be much ID-checking and inspections for the Devil’s Lettuce in the coming weekends. It’s not going to be lucky mile marker 7 for you! ... .
“The youngsters might have to find somewhere else to smoke their marihuanas and listen to those British rock musicians. I hope the mile marker 7 cavorters all have headlights for the bikes they borrow without permission.”
A second bike taken at the same time as the chief’s was also recovered as an abandoned bike near the perimeter road’s Mile Marker 7. Police were able to identify that bike’s owner, who had to leave the island before the bike was found. “We’ll be holding it for them,” the chief said.
Mackinac Island, where most automobiles are banned, sees a huge number of bikes being ridden on downtown streets, the state park’s interior roads and the popular M-185 perimeter route each season. Bike rental spots are available downtown, and many visitors bring over their own bikes via the island ferries.
Topolski said about 40 bikes are reported missing each year. “Most of them are recovered and returned to the owner,” he said. This year, 11 bikes so far have been reported taken.
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