Almost 150 stolen bikes and scooters recovered in Vancouver, but can owners get them back?
Posted September 11, 2019 12:41 pm.
Last Updated September 11, 2019 12:47 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Police in Vancouver are trying to get 148 stolen bikes, scooters and e-bikes seized from storage lockers back to their rightful owners – but are running into some challenges.
Three men from Vancouver and one man from Surrey have been arrested and released without charges after police found storage lockers full of bikes on Powell Street. The officers were in the area on a different call on Aug. 29 when they discovered the lockers and nearly 150 bikes inside.
The investigation is ongoing and the VPD says it may recommend charges if further evidence shows up.
The VPD has made a substantial seizure of stolen bikes valued at more than $100,000 dollars. https://t.co/wOXUB0PBWM
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) September 11, 2019
“This is an example of excellent, proactive police work by our frontline officers,” Sgt. Aaron Roed said in a news release. “Now, we will work on returning all of these bikes to their rightful owners.”
It can be hard to return stolen bikes even after they’re found, police say. The owners often don’t have serial numbers or other identifying descriptions that could help get their bikes back.
Police are encouraging owners to register their bikes for free with the 529 Garage registration and recovery program.
More than 1,600 bikes have been reported stolen in Vancouver this year.
