Six people have been charged after police searched and dismantled a bicycle chop shop in northeast Edmonton late last month.
Twenty-four bicycles, six bike forks, 50 bike tires and rims and several other bike parts were found inside a residence in the area of 119 Avenue and 76 Street on Sept. 24.
“They recovered over 20 bikes and bikes in various states of repair,” EPS Staff Sgt. Jonathan Coughlan explained. “A number of bikes … have been disassembled and then they reassemble the bikes, trying to alter their appearance.”
Police also found drugs, weapons and identity documents after searching the property in relation to a drug investigation.
“The primary focus of the investigation was drugs however we did have knowledge that there might be some bikes inside the location,” Coughlan explained.
“When you’re doing drug investigations at this level – the street level – you usually do encounter stolen property.”
Officers believe the bikes were stolen from garages across the city, modified and then sold on the street for extra profit. The stolen bikes and parts are worth about $20,000.
“Property crime in the city of Edmonton is … one of our biggest concerns,” Coughlan said. “We’ve been doing a very good job of managing violent crime in a general sense. However, property crime continues to be an issue and in particular, crime centred around movable property such as thefts of vehicles and thefts from vehicles. Garage B&Es, break and enters is a big concern of ours right now.”
The following people have been charged in relation to the investigation:
- Justin Peters, 32, is charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of break-in instruments, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public and breach of condition recognizance (x2)
- Rian White, 40, is charged with possession of property for the purpose of trafficking and possession of an identity document
- Jason Ollie, 41, is charged with failing to comply with probation orders (x3), possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, carrying a concealed weapon, breach of condition recognizance, possession of a prohibited firearm and knowingly possessing a prohibited weapon
- Deena Shulz, 45, is charged with possession of property for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of an identity document
- Marie Enokson, 45, is charged with knowingly possessing a prohibited weapon and possession of a controlled substance
- Gerald McHugh, 49, is charged with possession of property for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x3)
Police hope to return the bikes to their rightful owners. Photos of the bikes can be viewed on the EPS Pinterest page. Anyone who identifies their bike can contact the EPS by email or phone at 780-391-4569.
Police are also asking residents to be vigilant about locking their garages to help prevent break-ins.
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