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Bike Theft Prevention Program launched
Cranbrook RCMP partners with B.C. and Project 529
The Cranbrook RCMP Community Policing team is proud to announce the official launch of Project 529 Garage, a proven bike registration and theft-prevention program, now available in our community.
Bike theft has been one of the most common frustrations shared with us by both residents and police officers. We’ve heard it loud and clear, we’re all sick of bike theft. That’s why Cranbrook RCMP Community Policing has partnered with Project 529 to bring this powerful tool to local cyclists.
How it works:
The 529 Garage app allows cyclists to register their bikes by recording important details such as make, model, serial number, and photos. Registered bikes can attend the Cranbrook RCMP detachment or a registration event to receive a 529 Shield a tamper-resistant decal that acts as both a visible theft deterrent and a quick link to the bike’s registration. If a bike is stolen, an alert can be sent out instantly to police, bike shops, and the cycling community, dramatically increasing the chances of recovery.
How it Helps:
For cyclists: registering your bike makes it far easier for your bike to be returned to you and the shield makes it far less attractive to thieves as they know the bike is protected.
For police: the app helps officers quickly identify and return recovered bikes to their rightful owners, reducing the number of unclaimed bikes in storage.
For the community: the program is an exciting strategy to strengthen collaboration between residents and police, creating a united front against bike theft.
To support this initiative, Cranbrook RCMP’s Community Policing team has purchased 529 Shields and will be providing them free of charge to local cyclists.
Registration events will be hosted in the coming weeks, where community members are encouraged to bring their bikes down for assistance with the registration process.
Cyclists can also visit the Cranbrook RCMP Detachment at 31-11th Ave S, anytime Monday to Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., to register their bikes with the help of Community Policing staff.
“This is about working together,” said S/Sgt. Barry Graham, Detachment commander. “When police and the community join forces, we make it harder for thieves and safer for everyone. The launch of 529 Garage here is a big step forward in collaborating to protect what matters to people.”
Cranbrook RCMP thanks the Province of B.C. for collaborating with 529 to fund memberships for policing agencies across the province.
About Project 529
Launched in 2013, Project 529 is the world’s largest community-powered bike recovery service, with millions of bikes registered globally. The program has helped deter thefts and reunite countless riders with their bikes.
Cyclists are encouraged to download the free 529 Garage app, register their bikes, and visit the Cranbrook RCMP Detachment or an upcoming registration event to receive their free shield.
Together, we can put the brakes on bike theft.
Cranbrook RCMP
