British Columbia

Prince George RCMP warn bike theft comes with spring melt

Police officers are asking riders to use better locks to help deter bike theft after someone cut a chain lock, and walked away with a bike outside the Prince George courthouse.
This picture shows a bike rack with bikes locked to it.
RCMP recommend people use stronger locks to help deter would-be thieves. (Brett Purdy/CBC)

Spring in Prince George melts snow and brings out both bicycle riders and thieves, police warn.

surveillance video released April 4 by Prince George RCMP shows someone wearing dark clothing who appears to cut free a locked bike outside the local courthouse. 

"The thief [cut] the cable lock with a small set of bolt cutters," said Cpl. Craig Douglass.

​"[We] strongly encourage all bike owners to ... purchase a superior bike lock."

Last June, police partnered with an American tech company to launch Project 529 Garage to help cyclists register and recover their bikes. 

"Victims ... will be able to immediately notify all other APP users in the community that their bike has been stolen and provide photos if they choose," said Douglass. 

The investigation into the Prince George Courthouse bike theft continues and no charges have been laid.