what would you do if your kids bike that was stolen 10+years ago popped up on facebook marketplace?

came across it today, no doubt its the one i bought new in 1997. Schwinn XO bmx. a couple of distinguishing features plus the dealer decal on the down tube. i contacted the dealer but new computer system and can't give me serial#.
i contacted the seller and offered $100 for it, has a lot of sentimental value. don't want to bust the guy, who knows if he was the one who nicked it.

 

talk to the seller first about the story. Who's knows might just give it to you based on that.

 

Ask him how long he's had it.
Did you not file a police report back in the day?
Do you have the old serial #?

 

Ask some basic and unassuming questions, then passively mentioned you had a "very similar" bike stolen from you some time back. Don't say a lot, act like you are thinking and just see how he reacts. Or if you really want it back, make an insulting offer, and again see how he reacts.

 

A good friend at work had his bike stolen, lock was cut in front of a busy supermarket in broad daylight. Two weeks later he found it on Craigslist. He called the guy about buying it, then went over there, - with the police. He told the officers his bike was right there, behind the front door. They asked him if had the serial number? He said no, they then told him there was little they could do about it getting it back.

 

i messaged the seller and told them it was my daughters old bike. offered $100 for it and he passed.worth a shot but not worth getting shot.

 

Tell him you want to meet, shoot him in the knee caps and take the bike. Since its technically yours anyways.