The number of bike thefts is increasing in Stittsville as seen on some local facebook posts. More peculiar, are the missing parts – seats and pedals. The Ottawa Police Service, Break and Enter Unit, have also seen an uptake in the number of bikes stolen from sheds, garages and building storage areas. For this reason, OPS has shared ways to keep your bike secure.
- Invest in a good quality lock. Speak to your local bicycle dealer for advice on the lock that best suits your needs and quality of your bicycle;
- Lock up your frame, not just your wheel;
- Record your bicycle make, model and serial number and keep it in a safe place along with a photograph of your bike;
- Register your bicycle on bike registry apps. project529.com/garage, a local community watch for your bike, allows you to alert fellow Ottawa area cyclists if your bicycle is stolen or lost;
- Keep sheds, garages and fence gates closed and locked. If you are out in your yard, remember to shut and lock your garage door when you go inside. If you have a garage door remote in your vehicle, ensure it is kept out of sight and keep your vehicle locked to prevent access to your garage;
- Report suspicious persons to police. Remember it only takes seconds for a thief to steal your bicycle; and,
- If you reside in a residential apartment or condominium building, utilize locked storage areas or cages and keep your bicycle locked while inside. If you are able, store your bicycle in your unit. Be mindful of strangers following you through secure garage and lobby doors. out in your yard, remember to shut and lock your garage door when you go inside. If you have a garage door remote in your vehicle, ensure it is kept out of sight and keep your vehicle locked to prevent access to your garage.
Please visit the OPS website here for further tips to prevent bike thefts.
Anyone with information relating to any break and enters is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Break and Enter Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 4533. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or crimestoppers.ca