On Thursday May RCMP deployed a bait bike in the city, which proved very effective in nabbing bike thieves.
Over the course of only two hours, the bike was stolen three times, resulting in three arrests. The longest the bike was deployed before being stolen was 25 minutes.
“The theft of bicycles in our community is a big issue,” said Cpl. Craig Douglass, spokesperson for the Prince George RCMP and coordinator of the detachment’s anti-bike theft initiative. “Thieves specifically target bicycles for a quick and easy profit, and the bait bike initiative specifically targets the thieves.”
Deven Douglas Oulette, 24, and Stacie Anne Buttee, 46, have each been charged with theft under $5,000. The third suspect, a 19-year-old woman, was released on a promise to appear for Court later this spring. All three currently reside in Prince George.
The Prince George RCMP will continue to target bike thieves through this program and other enforcement tactics. Specifics about the bait bike, where it was deployed and other details will not be released.
In most stolen bike cases, owners do not know the serial number of the bike or do not have it readily available, decreasing the chance of getting the bike back to almost zero. Even if the bike is recovered, owners need to show that the bike is theirs. The best way to do this, is to provide a serial number.
Three things that every bike owner SHOULD do:
- Register your bike with a program such as the 529 Garage App (www.project529.com). Essential information like make, model, serial number and photos are recorded and accessible on any internet device;
- Always use a high quality lock designed for bicycles.The extra expense is worth it. Avoid cables and inexpensive locks, as they can be defeated easily and quickly;
- Report bike thefts right away.Many thefts are never reported to police, giving officers no chance of arresting someone in possession of it. Even if the bike isn’t worth much to you, reporting it could help arrest a thief.
If you have any information about bike theft in Prince George, please contact the Prince George RCMP at (250)561-3300 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1(800)222-8477 or online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca (English only). You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers. If you provide information that leads to an arrest or recovery of stolen property, you could be eligible for a cash reward.