Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — The evidence room at the Steamboat Springs Police Department is full of bicycles, snowboards and electronics.

On Thursday, residents will have an opportunity to provide a home for the items during a police auction.

Evidence technician Kim Gittleson said the property to be auctioned off includes mountain and road bikes, skis, snowboards, clothing, jewelry, electronics, knives and "knick knacks."

"Some of the stuff we auction is property that people have found and turned in to us, and some of the stuff are items that were never picked up by their owners," she said.

Gittleson has been surprised at how few people have attended previous auctions, considering that most of the items are sold for a fraction of what they're worth.

"I'm surprised more people don't come. It's such a good deal," she said.

In past years, Gittleson said she has seen $2,000 mountain bikes go for $100 -- and some for as little as $5.

"We've sold really decent bikes for $20," she said. There are no minimum bids on items.

Property viewing will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the auction will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Anyone who wants to participate in the auction must register to get a buyer's number. Winning bidders must pay for the item with cash or by check, and they must be able to take the item with them when the auction is over, Gittleson said.

Gittleson said all the property is being sold on an "as is" basis and that the police department is not responsible for any property sold.

"We don't make guarantees that anything works. You're kind of on your own," she said.

-- To reach Alexis DeLaCruz, call 871-4234 or e-mail adelacruz@steamboatpilot.com