File: 20-16014
Victoria, BC – Strike Force officers located and shut down a bicycle “chop-shop”, seized stolen bikes, and, arrested three alleged bike thieves after deploying a bait bike yesterday.
Responding to the increase in property crime, including bike thefts, in the Burnside Gorge neighbourhood, Strike Force officers deployed a “bait bike” in the Topaz Park area yesterday. The “bait bike” was stolen a short time later.
Bait bikes are bicycles equipped with tracking, identification and other technologies which allow officers to follow their movement.
The investigation led Strike Force officers to Beacon Hill Park, where they located a bicycle “chop shop” in operation. Officers arrested the alleged bike thief, and seized numerous stolen bikes.
Subsequent investigation led Strike Force officers to locate and arrest two additional bike thieves, and seize additional stolen property.
These investigations are ongoing.
Strike Force officers continue to investigate prolific property offences as part of our efforts to combat rising property crimes – including bike theft.
Bait bikes are currently deployed.
A previously recovered stolen bike
About Strike Force
Strike Force is a focused investigative unit in the Victoria Police Department. Strike Force officers use cutting-edge investigative techniques including clandestine surveillance, undercover operations and confidential information to identify, target, and arrest some of the most prolific offenders in Victoria and Esquimalt. Many Strike Force investigations are sparked by tips from the public. If you have information about property crime offenders in our community, you can call the Strike Force line directly at (250) 995-7260.
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