I worked for years as a bike mechanic and custom mountain bike builder and one of the bikes in question has distinguishing characteristics which make me able to recognize it instantly. In this particular case I also possess original papers proving ownership of the bike frame.

On numerous (5+) occasions I have noticed someone riding the bike around the neighborhood who would have been incapable of climbing into a second-story window to commit the burglary where the bike was originally stolen. He rides slow and proud and I have observed him on multiple occasions store the bike behind the door described in the original post. I have also seen other expensive-looking bikes behind that door which would be economically out of reach of their riders if purchased legitimately.

Additionally, I have observed obvious fencing of stolen bikes nearby. For instance, a middle-aged latino male wearing all black including a puffy black jacket with the hood up in 80 degree weather (nice and anonymous), rolling around a $3500 road bike (complete with toeclip pedals), whistling down the street to his buddy and pointing to the bike. This stuff is so obvious if you pay attention.

Receiving stolen goods is indeed a serious crime. This is not a seat-of-the-pants allegation.

20th St used btw Mission and Valencia used to have a resident (or residents) that ran a fencing operation. It went on for years -- I would even say decades. For some reason, SF PD does not seem to care about these issues. Hope this one gets taken care of!

building is brown not salmon colored

All right, sidewalk detective, I'm a tenant in this building. There are only six units, and I guarantee you that none of them is involved in bike theft. There are currently three bikes back there: mine (a woman's bike that could not possibly be mistaken for valuable), and two beat-up junkers (I wish someone would get rid of them). There used to be two others up until a few months ago, but they're gone now. Please be aware that more people than just the residential tenants may have a key to this side door.

Thanks for your comment. In fact I've seen the man who rides the bike use a key to let himself into the side door to stash the bike, and then let himself into the front door of the building. That's why I assume he lives there. I could describe him in more detail but I see little point in doing that here.

If the more expensive bikes are truly gone from behind the side door then perhaps they've been sold, given away or confiscated. Or maybe he moved. I haven't seen him or the bikes in a few months either.

You can call or text anonymously any information pertaining to crimes you witnessed. To find out the number best suited for your location, follow this link to the official SFPD website:

http://www.sf-police.org/index.aspx?page=41