Unfortunately the law protects the thieves to some extent,the police can see a stolen bike advertised on say gumtree but if they contact seller to “view” the bike it seemingly would be viewed as entrapment and then inadmissible!
The van thing seems to be the way at the moment,about a year ago a mate had three bikes stolen in the Dalkeith area one of which was recovered in a pile of not so desirable ones less than a 1/4 of a mile from Dalkeith police station, he was told by officers the following morning he was the 16th to report cycle thefts that day! 6 in his street alone!! Advice given was good locks,alarm and removing car bike racks as they see them and have a go! The Edinburgh SART team are unfortunately fighting a war which at the minute they can’t win!