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Bike thefts in the North Okanagan may become trickier for would-be criminals due in large part to a new partnership.

The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP is partnering with Project 529 to use 529 Garage, as part of its bike theft prevention program.

The 529 Garage application is a comprehensive bike registry and recovery system. It's already being used in Kamloops, Kelowna and Penticton. 

In the event a bike is stolen, 529 Garage assists police in efficiently returning stolen bikes to their rightful owners, consequently saving thousands of dollars in police resources and loss of bikes. The program can be accessed online and through a smartphone application, Const. Kelly Brett said in a press release.

"Each year the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP donates hundreds of unclaimed bikes to a local charity for auction because officers are unable to locate the owners of the recovered bicycles," Brett said. "Much of this can be attributed to bicycle owners failure to record bike specific details, including serial numbers, make, model, etc. 529 Garage provides a solution to the recovery and return process by providing a mechanism for accurate recording and reporting."

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Image Credit: SUBMITTED/RCMP

How does 529 Garage work?

Bike owners create online profiles that include photos of their bike, their bike’s serial number and other specific details. The aim of the profile is to capture every detail that makes the bike unique, such as custom parts and upgraded components. In addition to the photos and bike data, each registrant is encouraged to place a Shield ID (a tamper proof sticker with a unique 7 digit code) on their bike frame. The Shield is highly visible and acts as a warning sign to would-be thieves, letting thieves know the bike is registered with the RCMP and the 529 Garage. Attempts to remove the Shield will leave obvious signs of tampering and give police grounds to ask further questions of anyone in possession of the bike.

In the event a 529 Garage bike is stolen, with a few taps from their phone, a victim can immediately alert fellow 529 Garage registrants (using the app) of the theft. Alerts are accomplished via push notifications sent out like text messages. The victim may choose to include photos of his/her bike and a reward. If the stolen bike is spotted, witnesses can use the 529 Garage app to send a victim tips, including photos and location details. Police are also notified; however victims are still required to report the theft to police.

Since the 529 Garage application is put to best use with a heavily populated database, the aim of the program is to increase public awareness of 529 Garage. Vernon North Okanagan RCMP’s 529 Garage program envisions marking over 2,000 bikes with Shield ID’s by 2021.

This goal will be achieved through free registration events where the City of Vernon Community Safety Unit will provide the Shield ID and upload the bike information and photos through the app. This service will be provided free of charge.

Community registration events will launch in mid September, however until that time, anyone can take their bikes down to the City of Vernon Community Safety unit, locate at 3010 31st Ave, Vernon  and register and receive the 529 decal for free.

For more information on the program contact the City of Vernon Community Safety Unit at 250-550-7840.
 

To contact a reporter for this story, email Kathy Michaels or call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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