City police say their bait bike initiative is back on the road.
The North Bay Police Service says the program, originally launched two years ago, continues to be successfully used in targeting bicycle theft.
That includes a recent incident in the downtown core that led to charges for a 37-year-old city man.
“The bait bike initiative is just one of the ways we’re working to prevent property crime and hold offenders accountable,” says Acting Deputy Chief Jeff Warner. “Bike theft might seem like a minor offence to some, but for the person who loses their only mode of transportation, it can be a major disruption. Whether it’s a child who’s lost a birthday gift, a competitive athlete who’s made a serious investment, or someone who simply needs their bike to get to work.”
Warner says targeted initiatives like this sending a clear message.
“If you steal in our community, you will be caught,” he says.
Police encourage the public to report suspicious activity and always lock up their bikes.
They also say cyclists can register their bicycles through the 529 Garage bike registry to help protect their property and improve the chances of recovery in the event of theft.
