Somebody likes duct tape.

I think you had enough evidence that the bike was yours. Those scratches are pretty distinctive.

I'm disappointed that you didn't have more support from the local PD. Had you reported the bike as stolen?

I'm glad you got the bike back, but we really need serious consequences for these bike thieves.

Of course, proving the person in possession of the bike was the thief is difficult, but he might at least know the thief. And, possession of stolen property might be enough to execute a search warrant.