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Bait bike program expands

In an effort to crack down on the increasing number of bike thefts, the Victoria police will be expanding its bait bike program.

In an effort to crack down on the increasing number of bike thefts in the city, the Victoria police will be expanding its bait bike program following the success of a pilot program.

The program focuses on using GPS technology attached to a locked bike in areas experiencing a high rate of bike theft. On the second deployment, the bait bike was stolen and a prolific bike thief was quickly apprehended and charged.

The program is now  being expanded with four more bikes and tracking units, including an E-bike.

Acting chief Del Manak said officers are regularly seizing stolen bikes worth $4,000 that people have bought on the street for $50.

Police have identified a group of about 10 people in the city as prolific bike thieves, and encourage citizens to register their bikes through the department’s registry.