Halifax police warn bike owners to be vigilant after recent surge in thefts

Halifax Regional Police have issued a warning to bicycle owners in the area to remain vigilant due to a recent surge in thefts. According to data obtained from a freedom of information request by CBC News, the number of stolen bikes reported to Halifax police doubled from 2023 to 2024, increasing from 140 to 275 in the first 10 months of last year.

Mike Sime, a resident who fell victim to bike theft last November, expressed his disappointment at the loss of his beloved bicycle, stating that it still had many good years left in it. Halifax police attribute the rise in bike thefts to various factors, including population growth. While the number of stolen bikes reported last year surpasses the figures from the two previous years combined, it is not an unprecedented occurrence.

In efforts to combat bike theft, Halifax police have successfully made several recoveries of stolen bikes since last summer. In a recent operation on Barrington Street, authorities discovered 40 stolen bikes. Const. Martin Cromwell emphasized that bike theft is often a crime of opportunity, with the increasing number of bikes providing more opportunities for thieves.

To address this issue, bike owners are encouraged to take proactive measures to protect their bikes, such as registering them online. Project 529 is a digital service that allows bike owners to register their bikes and report thefts, enabling a network of users and collaborating agencies to assist in recovery efforts. Rob Brunt, the project’s chief outreach officer, highlighted the effectiveness of this system in reducing bike theft in cities like Vancouver, where thefts decreased by 30% after implementing Project 529.

While Halifax Regional Municipality and Halifax Regional Police are not officially collaborating with Project 529, bike owners are urged to utilize the online registry to enhance the chances of recovering stolen bikes. Sime, who experienced the loss of his bike firsthand, advises fellow cyclists to remain vigilant and take precautions to prevent theft.

By staying proactive and utilizing resources like Project 529, bike owners can work together with law enforcement and the community to combat bike theft and ensure the safety of their valuable possessions.