Terrace RCMP are encouraging bike owners to sign up with a free theft prevention program.
The detachment says 529 Garage deters thieves from stealing bikes and helps get recovered bicycles back to their owners.
Each year we have dozens of bikes reported stolen and dozens more turned into the detachment as found property,
said Terrace RCMP Staff Sergeant, Michael Robinson in a news release. More often than not those bikes end up being destroyed because we don’t know who they belong to, or they remain in the hands of criminals because their rightful owners have not documented their serial numbers and we can’t prove them stolen.
RCMP will be opening their doors to help people register their bikes from Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Terrace detachment.
The first 25 people to sign up will receive a free bike lock.
Registering with 529 Garage allows bike owners to create an online profile featuring pictures of their bike, its serial number, and other details which make it unique, such as customized components.
If the bike is stolen, along with still reporting it to police, the bike’s rightful owner can use the 529 Garage App to alert other registrants, who can then use the app to send the victim tips on where it may be.
Bikes are a common mode of transportation for petty criminals because they’re easy to find and easy to ditch,
said Staff Sergeant Robinson. By preventing bike thefts, we help prevent the other crimes criminals are using the bikes to go and commit, such as drug dealing, break and enters, and other thefts.
For more information on how to register your bike visit www.project529.com or contact the Terrace RCMP at 250-638-7400.
