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UPDATED: Rash of bike thefts in Bow Valley under investigation

“Please ensure if you witness or fall victim to a bicycle theft, contact police immediately."
20210805 Canmore RCMP 0006
Canmore RCMP.

BOW VALLEY – Police in Banff and Canmore are investigating a recent spate of bike thefts.

Over the past month, several mid to high-end mountain bikes have been stolen from various residential and commercial properties in Canmore, while in Banff thieves have been targeting low to higher priced bikes in certain areas of town.

Canmore RCMP say they are increasing patrols and visibility in the areas where these thefts are taking place in Canmore, noting some thieves have been following patrons inside buildings to gain access to underground parkades.

“Canmore RCMP are working with surrounding police agencies to solve these crimes as the investigations into these thefts continue,” said Cpl. Gina Slaney, an RCMP media relations officer, in a news release.

“Police are encouraging the public to report any suspicious activity observed at residential/commercial parkades, community bike racks, local hotels and business parking lots.”

In Banff, RCMP say the thieves were targeting areas such as Banff Avenue, Beaver Street, Squirrel Street, Caribou Street and the alley between Buffalo and Caribou streets.

RCMP provide several tips regarding bicycle theft prevention and recovery, including storing bicycles indoors if possible and using heavy-duty bike locks that are difficult to cut.

The police also advise bike owners to take detailed photos of their bicycles and record the serial/part numbers, which could assist with the recovery of stolen bikes, and to monitor online resale websites and forums such as Kijiji, eBay, Facebook Buy and Sell and notify police if a stolen bike is observed.

Cpl. Slaney said if using parkades or entrances to communal residences, people are reminded to ensure those entering such facilities are allowed to be there because suspects are currently following patrons inside to gain access to underground parkades.

She said if suspicious activity is noted, try to get a detailed description of the person such as height, weight, gender, race, and clothing description, or a vehicle including colour, make, model, licence plate, and the number of occupants.

“Whether a homeowner or business property representative, please ensure your surveillance systems are in working order to assist victims and police with potential evidence collection,” said Cpl. Slaney.

If anyone has information regarding bicycle thefts or any crime in Canmore, please contact the Canmore RCMP at 403-678-5519.

The police in Banff ask if you have witnessed a bike theft or had your bike stolen, or have any information about the identify of the thieves, to please call Banff RCMP at 403-763-6600.

For those wishing to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at or online https://crimestoppers.ab.ca or online at www.P3Tips.com, or by using the P3 Tips app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

“Please ensure if you witness or fall victim to a bicycle theft, contact police immediately,” said Cpl Slaney.

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