How do I...
If the crime you are reporting is an emergency, call 9-1-1.
If the crime you are reporting is not an emergency, you can call the non-emergency line at 604-525-5411 or attend our Front Counter at 555 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC.
New Westminster – The New Westminster Police Department has a message for bike thieves in New Westminster: bait bikes could be anywhere and if you steal one, you will be arrested.
Starting in September 2023, the Street Crime Unit will deploy numerous bikes throughout neighbourhoods in New Westminster. The bikes contain technology that will help police identify and track down anyone who attempts to steal them.
“In both 2021 and 2022 we saw just under 100 bikes reported stolen,” said Media Relations Officer Sergeant Andrew Leaver. “We’re hoping the bait bike program will serve as a significant deterrent.”
The New Westminster Police Department plan to use the high-tech crime-fighting tool year-round. While police are doing their part to arrest bike thieves, cyclists are asked to help prevent these kinds of crimes. Cyclists are encouraged to use a heavy-duty bike lock and register their bike’s serial number with Project 529, a free registry police use to recover stolen property. Information about Project 529 can be found on their website: https://project529.com/garage.
“Many people heavily depend on their bikes to get where they need to go,” said Sergeant Andrew Leaver. “Registering your bike with Project 529 can help reduce the chance of your bike being stolen, and, in the unfortunate event that it is, increase the chance that your bike is recovered and successfully returned.”
The Community Engagement Unit will be registering bikes into Project 529 at numerous upcoming community events this fall, including the upcoming Guru Nanak’s Bike-a-thon & Walk-a-thon fundraiser at the Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar starting at 12:30pm on September 10th. Additionally, cyclists can pick up a Project 529 decal at the front counter of the New Westminster Police Department that is open Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm located at 555 Columbia Street.
-30-
CONTACT PERSON: Hailey Finnigan
EMAIL: communications@nwpolice.org
