On average, 600 bicycles are stolen in Hamilton every year, and only four per cent are recovered. Only 20 per cent of recovered bicycles are returned to their owner because police often have a hard time matching the bicycle to its owner.

“Hamilton Police are determined to change those numbers through our online bike registry and our bike bait program. Registering a bike through our new online bike registry is one way to protect your property,” says Superintendent Dave Hennick.

In addition to the new online bike registry, Hamilton Police have also implemented a Bike Bait program. The program operated over the 2020 season and was deployed in high bicycle theft areas. During the season, the bait bicycle was stolen on average once every 20 hours and 36 minutes of deployment. The program led to the arrest of 10 individuals and over 30 charges.

Bicycle owners should use a good-quality locking device to help deter thieves and file a police report if their bicycle is stolen. For more information on how to register your bike or learn more about the bike registry program, visit online at https://hamiltonpolice.on.ca/how-to/register-my-bike.

On Tuesday, December 24, 2019, Hamilton Police announced the conclusion of a two-month investigation into a high-end bicycle theft ring. The targets were residential and commercial properties in the Ancaster, Aldershot and Dundas areas. A public appeal was made for owners to contact the police and claim their property. To date, a substantial number of bicycles remain unclaimed.

Hamilton Police have cross-referenced the serial numbers on the bicycles with existing reports. Anyone who reported their bicycle lost or stolen and provided the corresponding serial number does not need to contact the police. Bicycles included in that scenario were returned to their owner.

At this time, police are releasing the remaining inventory details to assist with the process.

If you are the owner of any of these bicycles, you are asked to contact police by email and provide the serial number. Arrangements will then be made to claim the property.

• BMX – Black frame with the word “BUTTER” in yellow on frame
• Mountain Bike – CCM Vector – Black with lime green lettering on frame
• Mountain Bike – Tropix Martinez – Red with black lettering on frame
• Mountain Bike – Trek 820 Single Track – Black with silver lettering and red on frame
• Mountain Bike – Rocky Mountain Flow 2 – Lime green with white and orange designs on frame
• Mountain Bike – Rocky Mountain Soul - Red with white lettering on frame
• Mountain Bike – RBK Titan – Red with lettering and black front fork with white lettering
• Mountain Bike – Norco Nokanee – Black with white lettering on frame
• Mountain Bike – KHS Alite 1000- Lime green with silver lettering – White Apple sticker on headset
• Mountain Bike – Giant Yukon – Black with gold/silver lettering on frame
• Mountain Bike – Giant Roam - Blue with black lettering on frame
• Mountain Bike – Giant Anthem – Blue with black lettering on frame – 27.5 inch wheels
• Mountain Bike – Gary Fisher – Blue with white lettering

If you have any information that you believe could assist police with the investigation into these crimes, you are asked to contact BEAR Unit Sergeant Frank De Vuono by emailing fdevuono@hamiltonpolice.on.ca or Constable Wayne Potter at wpotter@hamiltonpolice.on.ca

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com