The Abbotsford Police Department has partnered with the 529 Garage bike registry to help reunite stolen bicycles with their owners.
Const. Ian MacDonald said 187 bikes have been reported stolen in Abbotsford so far this year, and many bikes have been recovered by police.
However, without a way to identify the recovered bicycles, returning them to their owners is challenging, he said.
MacDonald said individuals can protect their bikes by registering with 529 Garage, affixing a 529 Garage decal to their bikes to discourage thieves, and safely storing or locking up their bikes.
“In the event your registered bike goes missing, you’ll have everything you need to advise the police and significantly increase the likelihood of your recovered bike being returned to you,” MacDonald said.
Police officers are able to check the 529 Garage app roadside to see if a bike is stolen.
The fee for the 529 Garage Shield (decal) is usually $12.99, but is waived for those who register through the Abbotsford Police Department (APD).
Those interested can register online at project529.com/abbotsford, and pick up a decal at the APD operations support branch at 34194 Marshall Rd.
The APD is also holding a registration event on Saturday, Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Canadian Tire parking lot at 32513 South Fraser Way.
Those interested can bring their bike for photos and to pick up a decal. You must have an email address to register.
