Saskatoon, SK – Bike theft has become a rampant issue in the city, with hundreds of individuals falling victim to this crime each year. According to recent reports, it seems as though bikes are simply disappearing into thin air.
One resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared their experience with CTV News. “I had just parked my bike outside the grocery store for a quick errand, and when I came back, it was gone. It was like it disappeared right before my eyes,” they said.
This sentiment is echoed by many others in the community, who have also fallen victim to bike theft. In fact, statistics from the Saskatoon Police Service show that there were 1,200 reported cases of bike theft in 2020 alone.
Sergeant Ryan Smith of the Saskatoon Police Service’s Bike Unit explains that bikes are an easy target for thieves. “Bikes are lightweight, portable, and can be sold quickly for cash. It’s a crime of opportunity,” he says.
In addition to being a financial loss for individuals, bike theft also has a significant impact on the community. Many rely on their bikes as a mode of transportation, and without them, they may struggle to get to work or school.
To combat this issue, the Saskatoon Police Service has launched a campaign to raise awareness about bike theft and educate the public on how to prevent it. They recommend investing in a good quality lock, registering your bike with the police, and keeping it in a secure location when not in use.
In addition, the police are urging residents to report any suspicious activity or individuals they may see tampering with bikes. This can help prevent future thefts and hold perpetrators accountable.
As for the anonymous resident who lost their bike, they have a message for the thief: “I hope you enjoy my bike, but know that you have caused a lot of inconvenience and frustration for me. I hope you think twice before stealing from someone else.”
The Saskatoon Police Service is reminding residents to take precautions and be vigilant in protecting their bikes. By working together, we can help reduce the number of bike thefts in our city.
