The E-bike pictured here was stolen from the back of a car, where it was locked up, while it's owners went out and enjoyed a trip to Colliery Dam. (Naniamo RCMP)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

pricy heist

Belgian tourists lose $15k E-bike as theft epidemic continues

Jun 12, 2019 | 3:50 AM

NANAIMO — Belgian tourists had their honeymoon ruined when their expensive E-bike was stolen from the bike rack on their motor home.

Police said the two honeymooners wanted to enjoy a hike around Colliery Dam around 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 8. They left their bike locked up in its rack on their motor home, parked in the Dam’s upper parking lot.

“They came back roughly an hour-and-a-half later and sure enough, their lock is cut and their very expensive E-bike was stolen,” RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien said.

O’Brien said the bike’s value is roughly $15,000 and is one of the most expensive bike thefts he’s ever seen.

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The Belgian couple has moved on to continue their honeymoon. The make, model and serial number of the stolen bike wasn’t provided before they left Nanaimo.

The E-bike theft is the latest incident in an ongoing crime wave throughout Nanaimo which has resulted in hundreds of bikes being stolen in recent years.

While locking up your bike is common sense, O’Brien said having to take extreme measures to protect bicycles is the new normal.

“I’ve seen very expensive locks be defeated by very big bolt cutters. The bottom line is, if you’ve got an expensive bike you’ve got to have an expensive lock. Even that will be defeated.”

Everyone with a bike is encouraged to sign up for the app 529 Garage, where bikes can be registered and reported stolen.

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