Gun pulled on man trying to retrieve stolen bike posted on Kijiji

A Winnipeg man got quite the shock Friday night after trying to retrieve his stolen bike after it was posted on Kijiji.

Police say a 31-year-old man pulled a gun on the victim and his bike was nowhere to be found. 

The victim was able to run away and call police. Officers say they later found a suspect placing a rifle and a firearm case with a sawed-off shotgun and ammunition in a vehicle.

Winnipeg police Const. Jay Murray said police have noticed a rise in victims with stolen property trying to get back their stolen items.

"It seems to be happening more and more often," Murray said.

Murray said victims who find their stolen property posted online should call police instead of trying to buy their items back or meet the seller.

"It opens themselves up to many different situations some of which can involve violence," he said.

"I don't think it's a very safe situation for anyone."

A spike in bike thefts in Winnipeg this summer prompted police to issue a warning to the public last month.

Police have charged a 31-year-old male with pointing a firearm, possession of an unauthorized weapon and ammunition, and failing to comply with a prohibition order.

The bike the victim was trying to get back wasn't found by police.