BANFF – A recent trend in the Bow Valley is showing thieves prefer expensive mountain bikes.
Banff RCMP said there has been a series of bicycle thefts in the mountain town over the past two weeks with a noticeable price tag on the bikes stolen and is asking anyone with information to contact police.
“Traditionally, bicycle thefts in Banff have involved inexpensive bikes that were left outside, often unlocked,” Staff Sgt. Michael Buxton-Carr said.
“The current trend reveals a targeted approach, with bikes stolen from secure locations.”
Storage racks in underground parking garages in the 300-400 blocks of Marten and Moose Street have been recent targets, RCMP said.
“Full suspension mountain bikes are targeted and bike locks are being cut … we encourage the public to assess the quality of their locks, to have photos of their bikes, and to record the make, model and serial number,” Buxton-Carr said.
Expensive bike theft is also a trend noticed in Canmore, as police in the town have put out several press releases in 2019 and this year. The most recent Canmore theft was from the Solara Resort and Spa parkade where two bikes, valued at $10,000 and $8,000, were stolen.
"We believe the suspects were interrupted in the process, so we are asking if there are any local or out of town witnesses to contact Canmore RCMP with information," Canmore Cpl. Sabrina Clayton said in September.
Canmore RCMP also asked anyone who had their bike stolen to contact police, after receiving at least 10 complaints of stolen bicycles in May.
"We need statements and we need people to tell us, so we can investigate it. We are continuing to investigate all [reported] thefts, but the best way to bring it to a successful conclusion is to contact us," Sgt. Stan Andronyk said at the time.
Banff RCMP is also asking anyone with a stolen bicycle to report the crime.
“While social media sites are an excellent way to share and solicit information, we remind the public to report suspicious activities and bike thefts to the police, so that we may investigate and identify a contact person in the event that we recover the stolen bike,” Buxton-Carr said.
If you had your bicycle stolen in Canmore, contact police at 403-678-5519 or if you had your bicycle stolen in Banff, contact police at 403-763-6600. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can submit a tip to Crimestoppers at Crimestoppers.ca or 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
