With warmer temperatures, the Niagara Regional Police Service is reminding cyclists to “Lock it or Lose it” when it comes to bicycles in the Niagara Region.
During summer months, the numbers of reported stolen bikes typically rise. Stolen bicycles range from low to high end models, and are easy targets for thieves who are able to remove them quickly from exterior car bike racks with the use of bolt cutters.
The Niagara Falls Street Crime Unit has dedicated resources to patrolling known locations of bike thefts in an effort to take a proactive approach to this issue.
As a result, approximately 20 stolen bicycles (both mountain and high-end road bicycles) have been recovered that have remained unclaimed. Residents are asked to contact Constable Craig Zsoldos at craig.zsoldos@niagarapolice.ca or (905) 688-4111, dial option 3, Badge# 9552 to inquire about recovered bicycles.
Through the course of the investigation, 19 persons have been arrested and charged.
Hotel owners, campground operators and merchants in the area are asked to remind out-of-town visitors who may have materials secured to their vehicles to store them in a secure location such as their hotel room.
In order to assist police in identifying the rightful owner of a stolen bike, it is important to record the serial number of a bike and keep it for future reference. This is quickly and easily done by taking a picture of the bicycle and any unique or identifying markers, including the serial number or any scratches and/or stickers on the bike, and storing the information on a cellphone.
The NRPS is strongly encouraging the public to report all incidents of bike thefts, suspicious activities and locations to Police or Crime Stoppers of Niagara.
To leave an anonymous tip, please contact Crime Stoppers via:
Telephone – 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
Online – www.niagaratips.ca
To receive similar content, “Like” us on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/niagarabuzz.ca
