19 people charged in stolen bike investigation: Niagara police

Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) says 19 people have been arrested following a stolen bikes investigation.

Police say during the summer months, the numbers of reported stolen bikes typically rise. The NRPS dedicated resources to patrolling known locations of bike thefts in an effort to take a proactive approach to the issue.

Hotel owners, campground operators, and merchants in the area were asked to remind out-of-town visitors who may have bikes attached to their vehicles to store them in a secure spot.

Police say thieves often use bolt cutters to quickly remove bikes from the exterior racks.

As a result of the investigation, 19 people were arrested and charged and roughly 20 stolen bicycles were recovered. The stolen property, which included mountain and high-end road bicycles, has remained unclaimed.

Police are reminding residents to record the serial number of bikes and keep it for future reference.

“This is quickly and easily done by taking a picture of the bicycle and any unique or identifying markers, including the serial number or any scratches and/or stickers on the bike, and storing the information on a cellphone,” said NRPS in a news release.

Residents who believe their bike may have been recovered can contact Cst. Craig Zsoldos at 905-688-4111, select option 3, and dial badge 9552.

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