Nearly 60 stolen bikes recovered in ByWard Market initiative
Posted Dec 5, 2023 11:38:13 AM.
Last Updated Dec 5, 2023 11:38:19 AM.
A new bike initiative conducted by the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) recovered 56 stolen bikes over a five-month period earlier this year.
From mid-May to mid-October, the OPS D Platoon ByWard Market area members recovered the stolen bikes with a total value of $71,050.
The OPS said 32 of the 56 stolen bikes, valued at $42,600, were returned to their owners in person while 24 bikes, valued at $28,450, were found abandoned by police who are seeking the owners.
A total of 29 of the 32 bikes returned to their rightful owner were registered through the 529 Garageapp or identified by police using the Stolen Bikes Ottawa Facebook group. The other three bike owners were identified quickly as they had reported the missing bike to police.
“During the pandemic, Ottawa has seen a record number of bike thefts, driven by their increasing value and unmatched versatility,” said Evan Hung, an acting staff sergeant with the OPS who led the bike initiative. “Social media platforms, including Facebook and specialized platforms like 529 Garage, have proven to be an asset for law enforcement and bike owners.”
The D Platoon team also conducted a bike theft survey with results shar to be shared with the community in the coming weeks.
