At least three stolen bikes worth around $10,000 were recovered recently, with Nanaimo RCMP reminding riders to take precautions to prevent theft and ensure stolen items can be returned when recovered. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

bike theft

Nanaimo RCMP recover $10,000 worth of stolen bikes

Aug 7, 2024 | 1:48 PM

NANAIMO — Local police were able to recover three bikes last month worth a total of $10,000 thanks to their active patrols in areas criminals are known to frequent.

Officers were in one such area when they saw known offenders with expensive-looking bikes, which started the investigation.

Nanaimo RCMP Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said the reason they were able to recover the bikes so quickly is thanks to their street-wise officers, and the bike owners also taking responsibility.

“The first thing they did was contact the police and with the information they had on hand provided, such as the serial numbers of the bikes, and they had pictures, and that is key information to assist police. You want to get your bike back, this is what you need to do.”

Three suspects ranging in age from 35 to 49 were arrested for possession of stolen property, and information was forwarded to the Crown for consideration of formal criminal charges.

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The stolen bikes were returned to their rightful owners.

The bikes ranged from full-suspension mountain bikes to an e-bike, and were located at various places around Nanaimo, according to O’Brien.

He said they were recovered thanks to their Special Investigations and Targeted Enforcement Unit’s (SITE) unique patrolling abilities.

“The beauty of this unit is you have motivated officers and they’re not dictated by the radio. They can go where they know crime is happening, they’re not going to be called back…they’re going to areas where we know there’s a high propensity for crime.”

He encourages bike owners to register their bikes using sites like Project 529, or simply take photos of your ride and note the serial number.

Investing in a good bike lock is also a worthwhile expense.

“It’s a shame when we see a bike that’s ranging from $2,000-5,000, and that’s not uncommon for bikes to be that now, and there’s a $5 lock on it,” said O’Brien. “If you’re going to spend money on that type of bike with some people using it every day, put some value into the lock to secure it.”

O’Brien said much like with any stolen valuables, time is of the essence when it comes to recovering stolen items, as thieves can have bikes stripped for parts and repainted within minutes.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow