Bike thefts spike in Kelowna

KELOWNA — Lock it or lose it.

Kelowna RCMP is warning bike owners to make sure their bikes are secured and out of sight.

The warning stems from a spike in bike thefts in the Kelowna area this year.

RCMP say so far, there have been 46 reports of bike thefts this year, compared to 29 the same time last year.

“RCMP often receive reports of bicycles being stolen after they are left unattended and insecure even for short periods of time,” says Cst. Jesse O’Donaghey.

“Investigators often aren’t provided with the necessary details such as a bicycle’s serial number, its make, model, type, speed and frame size etc. to properly identify and return any recovered bicycles to their rightful owners,” he says.

RCMP are offering the following tips to cyclists:

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• Always keep your bicycle locked even if only left unattended for a short period of time in public places or at home.

• Even consider locking your bicycle inside your garage, your shed, or even on your porch.

• Always use a high-quality lock designed specifically for bicycles, ensure that you secure it to an immovable object and if possible take all removable parts with you.

• Record your bicycle’s serial number (S/N) and take photographs of your bike (regardless of the value of the bike) so that they can be added to police computer records, which helps police identify the bikes should they be located.

• It’s also a good idea to have your bicycle and/or its accessories identified with your driver’s licence number.

• Report promptly any theft of bicycle to local police.