Visalia police arrested three people Tuesday, May 12, 2026, after suspects allegedly took a bait bicycle during a targeted theft enforcement operation near Mooney Boulevard and Walnut Avenue. (Visalia PD)
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Three people were arrested Tuesday during a Visalia Police Department operation targeting bicycle thefts after officers used a bait bicycle to catch suspects attempting to steal it, authorities said.
Police said the department has seen an increase in bicycle thefts throughout the city in recent months. In response, the Property Crimes Unit and the HOPE Team conducted a proactive enforcement operation near Mooney Boulevard and Walnut Avenue.
During the operation, officers placed a bait bicycle in the area while surveillance units monitored the location, police said.
Three separate suspects were arrested after taking the bicycle and attempting to leave the area with it, according to the department.
Those arrested were identified as Andrea Bryant, 48, Abel Mario Perez, 43, and Julio Hernandez Mendez, 37.
All three were booked on felony charges related to bicycle theft, police said.
The Visalia Police Department said it plans to conduct additional operations in the future aimed at reducing bicycle thefts and holding offenders accountable.
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