Hamilton police urge bike registration after over 500 thefts reported in 2022

Hamilton police are asking cyclists to register the serial number of their bike online following a recent surge in thefts.

According to police, 517 stolen bikes were stolen in 2022, and just over 5 per cent were found by police.

However, only a small amount of those bikes were returned to their owner because investigators had a hard time matching the bike to its owner.

The registry was introduced two years ago, with 400 bikes registered as of last year.

Police call this a “crime of opportunity,” as people are more likely to steal an unlocked and unattended bike.

.@HamiltonPolice are reminding cyclists to register their bike online this year. Registration helps police return bikes to their rightful owners in the event it’s stolen.

More than 500 bikes were reported stolen in 2022 @morninglive @CHCHNews #HamOnt pic.twitter.com/GSiX0p37Xl

— Em Tayler (@EmilyNTayler) May 3, 2023

Officers suggest a U-lock connected to a bike rack and a second lock that loops the wheel and frame together.

They also say to never leave a bike unattended or in an area that isn’t well lit.

According to reports, 72 bikes have been stolen in Hamilton and only two have been recovered so far this year.

Over the course of 10 years, the force reported 5,841 stolen bikes with a recovery rate of 4.2 per cent.

Cyclists can register their bikes by visiting https://hamiltonpolice.on.ca/how-to/register-my-bike.

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