NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Police Department oversaw what could only be described as a "steal" on Saturday morning. 

 

The department auctioned off nearly 100 items, mostly bicycles, at the Armory for prices that rarely bumped past $5. 

 

Auctioneer Roy Burdick of the town of Florida swiftly pushed through a listing of adult and children's bicycles that included Rands, Huffys and Schwinns. A practically new Diamondback worth hundreds went for around $50 but most went for a couple bucks. 

 

A number of other items like scooters, kayaks, jewelry and small appliances were also sold off. 

 

The department's Mary Ann King said the inventory came from lost and found and evidence. Most had been in police custody for a couple years. The last auction had been in April 2015.

 

"Some of these bikes are new," she said. "I don't understand why people don't come looking for their bikes."

 

A few dozen people gathered at the back of the Armory for the auction, which lasted about an hour. A couple dozen bikes failed to find owners and were being sold off as a lot. King bought up a few for $1 apiece to give to the bike group headed by Amanda Chilson so they could be refurbished and donated to children. 

 

The money raised from the auction goes to the city to be used by the Police Department for community events. 

 

"It helps us fund things like National Night Out," King said.