• 24-12-18 Operation Cycle Back
  • Operation Cycle Back3
  • Operation Cycle Back4
  • 24-12-18 Operation Cycle Back2
  • Operation Cycle Back5
Download
Calgary, AB,
18
December
2024
|
10:36
America/Denver

Police initiative helps return stolen bicycles back to rightful owners

A two-month police operation to curb the amount of bicycle thefts in the downtown core resulted in three reported stolen bikes being returned to their rightful owners, two criminal charges laid, 64 warrants executed and 15 summons issued.

During the months of October and November 2024, the District 1 Community Engagement Response Team (CERT) officers teamed up with Community Standards Peace Officers to enforce city bylaw offences regarding the use and conditions of bicycles in the downtown area to curb bicycle thefts. Officers had more than 30 interactions with Calgarians riding their bicycles unlawfully which resulted in enforcement of municipal, provincial and federal statutes.

Recovered stolen bicycles are often unsafe to return to their owners, as systems like the brakes are frequently compromised and the bikes can be in unsanitary conditions. The District 1 CERT officers contacted a local company, The Bike Shop, which generously offered to clean the bicycles and ensure they were safe to ride again, free of charge, before returning them to their owners.

During the course of the operation, officers were also reminding cyclists to register their bicycles on the Bike Index, a free online bike registration service to help return stolen bicycles back to their rightful owners.

Tips for bicycle theft prevention:

·       Ensure the bike is locked up properly by securing the wheels and the bike frame to a solid object.

·       Use multiple locks.

·       Take easily removable items with you, such as bells, seats and lights.

·       Never leave your bike locked in an easily accessible place for long periods of time, such as overnight.

·       Ensure garages and storage sheds are locked.

·       Record your bike’s make, model, colour, serial number and any other defining characteristics and take photos of your bike to assist in recovery.

·       Register with Bike Index

·       If your bike goes missing, report it to police and report it as lost or stolen on Bike Index.

 For more bicycle theft prevention tips, visit:

https://www.calgary.ca/cps/public-services/bike-index.html

 To report a found bike to the Calgary Police Service, go to ifoundabike.ca.