By Pete McIntyre

Bikers urged to join theft prevention program

Aug 28, 2019 | 3:16 PM

The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP has joined other detachments around B.C. to partner on a bike theft prevention program.

The 529 Garage app — which can be accessed online or on a smartphone — is a bike registry and recovery system police are using to deter bike theft.

Const. Kelly Brett said the program helps police return stolen bikes to their rightful owners, saving thousands of dollars in police resources and loss of product for B.C. citizens.

“Each year, the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP donates hundreds of unclaimed bikes to a local charity for auction because officers are unable to locate the owners of the recovered bicycles. Much of this can be attributed to bicycle owners’ failure to record bike specific details, including serial numbers, make, model, etc. 529 Garage provides a solution to the recovery and return process by providing a mechanism for accurate recording and reporting,” Brett said.

How does 529 Garage work?

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Bike owners create online profiles that include photos of their bike, their bike’s serial number and other specific details. The aim of the profile is to capture every detail that makes the bike unique, such as custom parts and upgraded components. In addition to the photos and bike data, each registrant is encouraged to place a Shield ID (a tamper proof sticker with a unique seven-digit code) on their bike frame. The Shield is highly visible and acts as a warning sign to would-be thieves, letting thieves know the bike is registered with the RCMP and the 529 Garage app. Attempts to remove the Shield will leave obvious signs of tampering and give police grounds to ask further questions of anyone in possession of the bike.

In the event a 529 Garage bike is stolen, with a few taps from their phone, a victim can immediately alert fellow 529 Garage registrants (using the app) of the theft. Alerts are accomplished via push notifications sent out like text messages. The victim may choose to include photos of his/her bike and a reward. If the stolen bike is spotted, witnesses can use the 529 Garage app to send a victim tips, including photos and location details. Police are also notified; however victims are still required to report the theft to police.

Since the 529 Garage application is put to best use with a heavily populated database, the aim of the program is to increase public awareness of 529 Garage. Vernon North Okanagan RCMP’s 529 Garage program envisions marking over 2,000 bikes with Shield ID’s by 2021.

“This goal will be achieved through free registration events where the City of Vernon Community Safety Unit will provide the Shield ID and upload the bike information and photos through the app. This service will be provided free of charge,” Brett said.

Community registration events will launch in mid September, however until that time, anyone can take their bikes to the City of Vernon Community Safety Unit at 3010 31st Ave., and register and receive the 529 decal for free.

by Pete McIntyre

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