BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A reported break-in at a GObike shop on Colvin Avenue in Buffalo resulted in the loss of more than $8,000 in bikes, essential supplies and more.
GObike officials were made aware of the burglary on Tuesday. They claim two to three individuals broke through a window and stole about 20 bikes, dozens of handlebar grips, lights, tires and tools, which are all critical to the nonprofit's mission.
The workshop refurbishes donated bikes and distributes them at little or no cost to children and community members in need. Now, GObike is the one asking for help.
"They got 18 of our bikes. They got a ton of tools," deputy director Kevin Heffernan said. "So many people come in here to maintain or fix their bikes on Tuesday nights. They use parts that we have: bar grips, brakes, tubes, tires, seats. Those are things that we often have to buy new in order to get a bike back up to speed. Those are gone."
Although the estimated monetary loss is significant, Heffernan said the true cost is deeper than that.
"Those were volunteer hours that went into that, our staff hours that went into that. We can put a monetary value on the bikes themselves, but it's hard to put a value on the amount of hours that were put in for those people," he said. "A punch in the gut to our team and the things we're working on as a team to do here in the community."
Despite the setback, the response from the community has been swift and encouraging.
"Since we posted about it today, notes were coming in saying 'I heard what happened. I'm so sorry. This is all I've got,' and it's a $5 donation," Heffernan said. "That's really big to us. That note is something we share with our team. Thankfully, there have been $50 and $100 donations too. We're slowly becoming whole on what we have lost."
The City of Buffalo confirmed the Buffalo Police Department is investigating the incident.
GObike plans to resume normal operations during its regular volunteer night on Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
They need your help getting the shop back on its feet. You can donate online here.
