App could help reduce number of bikes stolen in Oakville, Burlington and Milton
Published June 4, 2021 at 4:24 pm
A bicycle registration app could help Oakville, Burlington and Milton residents reduce bike theft.
With over two million bicycles stolen in North America every year, Halton Regional Police have partnered with 529 Garage to introduce the registration app and help put a dent in this epidemic.
Through the 529 Garage program, your online application will help connect you to other cyclists, police, and local bicycle shops in the event your bicycle is stolen.
Over 400 law enforcement agencies throughout North America have partnered with 529 Garage.
“Our strategy is simple – galvanize riders, shops, police, schools and cities with a common set of tools that allow communities to become better organized than the criminals,” 529 Garage says on its website. “Cities that we have joined forces with have seen meaningful, double-digit results in the first two years.”
To register your bike, first download the app and input your contact information and bicycle serial number. Then upload photos of yourself and your bike.
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You can also register on the 529 Garage website if you don’t have a smart phone or tablet.
Once you are registered, if your bike is stolen or goes missing you can notify 529 Garage and they will issues an alert from the app that will be sent to other local cyclists and bike shops alerting them to the missing bicycle.
Once your alert has been posted, the app will take you to the HRPS online reporting tool where you can report your missing bike to police.
By registering, if a bicycle is recovered it makes it easier for police to identify and return the bicycle to the proper owner.
Also available after you register are 529 Garage Decals, which placed on your bicycle will act as a visual deterrent to notify thieves that your bicycle has been registered.
These tamper proof decals are available through the 529 Garage app.
You can download the 529 Garage app on the Apple App Store or get it on Google Play.
HALTON POLICE PHOTO
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