Bicycle thefts on rise: What you can do to prevent it
The Kelowna RCMP Community Safety Unit is reminding cyclists to secure their bikes as it takes a thief just moments to steal one.
The return of warm weather means more people are out enjoying their bicycles.
On a daily basis, officers are seizing and returning stolen bicycles. In a one-week span between April 26 and May 2, 2020, the Community Safety Unit returned over $10,000 worth of bicycles to their owners.
Officers want to remind the public of the following safety tips to protect their bicycles:
Record:
- Record your bike’s serial number
- Photograph your bike
- Use a public bicycle registration such as 529 Garage
- Engrave or mark your bike with something specific like your driver’s license number
Lock:
- Never leave your bike unlocked
- Use a high quality lock
- Take the extra step and remove the seat or a wheel as an extra deterrent
- Whenever possible, avoid leaving your bike in an underground parking structure- they are a favourite target for bike thieves
- Avoid leaving your bike on or in your vehicle if possible – If you must leave your bikes unattended in the back of a vehicle, lock the bikes to your vehicle
Report:
- If your bicycle is stolen, report it to the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 or online via the online crime-reporting tool with the serial number and description
Enforcement is a key component in keeping our community secure and we are always seeking innovative ways to hold the responsible offenders accountable. Bait Bikes, like Bait Cars, come in all sizes, makes, models and colours and can be placed anywhere in Central Okanagan.
Bait Bikes are just one of the many tools police have at our disposal to combat property crime. Officers are continuing their efforts and ask the public to be an active partner by ensuring their bikes are secured with high grade locks as well as having the serial number and description documented for reporting purposes, states Cst. Michael Gauthier of the Kelowna RCMP.
The Kelowna Community Safety Unit will continue to pursue active property offenders using innovative tactics on a regular basis.
“We know these crimes affect many citizens in our community, we take them seriously and we will continue to do everything we can to stop these trends,” said Cst. Solana Par, media relations officer, Kelowna Regional Detachment
For further information on how to protect your bicycle, click here.