Cst. Chad Jackson of Penticton RCMP's Targeted Enforcement Unit with a cache of recovered stolen bicycles and other sports equipment.

(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)

PENTICTON - Several expensive bicycles recently stolen in Penticton and area will be returned to their owners.

Targeted Enforcement Unit member Const. Chad Jackson says a RCMP investigation that began on Saturday, Sept. 24 resulted in the recovery of stolen high-end bikes and golf clubs.

The investigation began when an officer stopped a pickup truck with two bicycles in the back near Municipal Avenue and was able to identify one of the bikes as one of two stolen from the Real Canadian Superstore parking lot a few days earlier. He arrested the two people in the pickup; a 31-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man. The other bike in the truck had been stolen from a motel in Summerland in August.

Police then executed a search warrant at a residence on Municipal Avenue near Government Street where they found four more stolen bikes. The bikes are collectively valued at $12,000. Along with the bikes, $5,000 worth of stolen golf clubs were also recovered, along with two wake boards.

Yesterday, Sept. 26, police arrested a 33-year-old man at the same residence. He is being held in custody for a court appearance.

Jackson says theft has been prolific in the South Okanagan with a lot of bicycle theft.

He is advising residents to be suspicious of bike deals that seem to good to be true. He says thieves are using various platforms including buy and sell pages on the internet to sell the bikes they steal, sometimes for whatever cash they can get.

Jackson notes those unwittingly purchasing a stolen bike risk seizure of the property and possible charges for possession of stolen property.

“Don’t buy a bargain. Use common sense when you purchase a used bike. If you have suspicions or concerns call us,” he says.

Jackson also notes thieves have been targeting visitors to the area, easily identified by out of province plates and through their locations in the area at motels and resorts. He advises everyone to bring their bikes indoors whenever possible.

Find past stories on Penticton bicycle theft here.

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