Spring is here, and with it, an uptick in bicycling. A limited supply of bikes during the seasonal upswing in demand puts added value on bicycles, and every spring, police see an uptick in garage and shed break-ins for bicycles. Police expect this spring to be no different, and so ask the public to remain diligent with locking up property.
If you have the means to provide yourself with enhanced security measures such as video surveillance and motion sensors, please do so. It’s a great way to deter thieves, and images and video are invaluable in investigation when theft occurs. Police also recommend that the public take the time to record the serial number on their bikes, or any other high value items, as this information is the best way to return a recovered stolen item to its rightful owner. Every year, police receive stolen bicycle reports without the owner knowing the serial number, and often recover bicycles with serial numbers intact but without identifying information tied to the number. Police have the ability to run searches on serial numbers on recovered property and will immediately receive a “hit” notifying them if it is reported as stolen, provided the serial number is given by the victim, if and when they report it stolen.
Once you have recorded your serial number, entering the information into a legitimate online bicycle registry, such as Garage529, is a great way to ensure your bicycle’s information is easily accessed and retrievable if and when it goes missing. You can record pictures and other identifying information of your bicycle on their database. You can also choose to allow the registry to share your contact information with police in the event that your bicycle is stolen, and if recovered by police, police can reach out to you as the rightful bicycle owner.
The Regina Police Service would like to thank the public for taking part in crime prevention efforts, and also to remind you to always report theft to police.
Enjoy bicycling, Regina!
