Teen launches petition after bike stolen on birthday

Steven hopes his petition will press authorities to address crime in his Reading neighborhood.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 7:22am

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A 13-year-old boy in Reading, Pennsylvania has started a petition after his bike was stolen from his garden on his birthday. Steven said the theft has made him feel anxious about where he lives, and he is going door-to-door to gather support from neighbors to press local authorities to take action on crime in the area.

Why it matters

The theft of Steven's bike on his birthday highlights the impact of property crimes on young people and the broader community. Residents in the Coley Park area have voiced concerns about issues like drug dealing, car break-ins, and an overgrown walkway being used as an escape route, indicating a need for a coordinated response from local police and government.

The details

Steven's bike was stolen from his garden on January 10, his 13th birthday. With the backing of his parents, he is now going door-to-door in his neighborhood to gather signatures for a petition aimed at pressing Reading Borough Council, the local police, and his member of parliament to address crime concerns in the area. Residents report finding drug needles, having their cars broken into multiple times, and even having their cars stolen. The walkway behind the homes has been identified as a problem area used by criminals to escape.

  • On January 10, Steven's bike was stolen from his garden on his 13th birthday.

The players

Steven

A 13-year-old boy who had his bike stolen from his garden on his birthday and has started a petition to address crime concerns in his Reading neighborhood.

David

Steven's father, who said the theft on his son's birthday was a "harrowing experience" but is proud of Steven for trying to make positive change in the community.

Thames Valley Police

The local police force that said it does not underestimate the impact of such crimes and has taken action in the area, including increased patrols and installing gates, but urged residents to continue reporting incidents.

Reading Borough Council

The local government authority that said it works closely with the police force and encouraged residents to report incidents.

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What they’re saying

“I feel anxious and so do my neighbours.”

— Steven

“To wake up and find your bike stolen is already quite a harrowing experience, but for it to happen on a child's thirteenth birthday.”

— David, Steven's father

“There's a lot of parks nearby. We find needles along those roads, and our car's been broken into three or four times... our car's been stolen.”

— Resident

“I hope that it will raise the profile of crime in the area and get us support from local police, council because more police supporting would definitely help.”

— Resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.