Image Credit: 529 Garage

By James Peters

Bicycle Theft

RCMP push 529 Garage app to help return stolen bicycles

May 9, 2019 | 10:17 AM

KAMLOOPS — RCMP are encouraging Kamloops bicyclists to take a few steps toward making sure their bicycles stay in their possession.

The annual Emergency Services Day runs this Saturday (May 11) at Aberdeen Mall, and as part of the festivities, RCMP members will be registering cyclists on 529 Garage. The online program registers bicycles with their owners and Cpl. Jodi Shelkie says nearly 1,400 bikes have been registered on the app since 2016.

“Statistics say that more than half of all bicycle riders will have a bicycle stolen some time over their lifetime,” says Shelkie, “so there’s a good chance that your bicycle could be stolen.”

While the app doesn’t physically prevent thefts, Shelkie says affixing a 529 Garage shield to the bicycle might deter a potential thief. The shields, normally retailing for $13, will be handed out for free at Emergency Services Day.

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Shelkie says the app has already proven effective locally.

“We’ve had some successes here in Kamloops with returning bikes that have been on 529 Garage,” said Shelkie. “I know down in the Lower Mainland, it’s very popular there and they use it quite a bit. Quite a few bicycles have been returned.”