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Bicycle theft on the rise in Campbell River

It seems to be a hot find for thieves around town. As Campbell River deals with a spike in bicycle theft, police urge locals to keep their two-wheelers stored away and locked up.

Since Sept. 1st, the local RCMP detachment says a total of ten bikes have been reported stolen. “Several of these bicycles have value in the thousands of dollars,” Cst. Maury Tyre says.

With this in mind, Tyre’s pointing to the importance of making sure bike owners write down correct serial numbers. That’s because it’s the one thing that can’t be altered.

“Unfortunately, a description of the bicycle is relatively useless as we are aware that many of them are painted almost immediately or parted onto different bicycles so they do not appear the same,” Tyre explains.

“The only thing that remains constant is that serial number.”

He continues, “Sadly, after a paint job and parting out it’s extremely difficult to tell whether we are looking at a bike worth thousands or a hundred.”

Tyre’s now urging locals to store their bikes inside if possible. He also recommends using high-end locks and chains, locking up bikes to something that’s “extremely solid.” 

“Some brands of locks and chains will even offer certain monies back to you if items are stolen and their locks have been compromised,” he says.

Tyre adds, “Storage of a bicycle, visible within a vehicle or on your car bike rack is not recommended. If you are travelling, it’s worthwhile to inquire whether the locale you are staying at has overnight secure storage.”

There’s also an international service called Project 529. You can register your bike and then it can be returned if it’s located. People buying a used bike can also check the website first to see if it’s stolen. 

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