Members of Red Deer RCMP's downtown patrol registered their bicycles during the local launch of 529 Garage downtown on Monday. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

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RCMP and City launch ‘529 Garage’ to help prevent bike theft

Sep 9, 2019 | 2:47 PM

Red Deer RCMP and The City of Red Deer are pushing for more citizens to sign up for the easy to use 529 Garage bicycle registry.

On Monday, members of the RCMP’s downtown street patrol registered their bikes using the 529 Garage mobile app. Inspector Mark Groves said two million bikes are stolen in North America annually, and in Red Deer the numbers amount to two stolen bikes daily.

“(This will) free up officers and reduce crime and victimization,” he stated. “We have so many bikes recovered, but no idea who they belong to, so please report so we can make that connection. As well, always record your serial number.”

Once a bike owner downloads and registers in the app, they can purchase a 529 Garage shield decal that goes onto the bicycle. The decals are $5 from the Central Alberta Crime Prevention Centre.

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Program Coordinator Janise Somer says people must get used to taking crime prevention measures.

“Unfortunately, were not living in the 1960s and this problem is across Canada, it’s not just localized to Red Deer,” she said. “Otherwise, cities like Vancouver and Whistler would not have implemented this program. It’s like registering your car. You have a license plate for your car, and this is sort of like having a license plate for your bike.”

The decal, according to Groves, is nearly undestroyable. It cannot be peeled off and it can’t even be painted over, he said.

“I really encourage everyone from Red Deer to get out, do your part, and register your bike. I personally had a bike stolen years ago. It was devastating at the time, and as a student, I didn’t have a lot of money. It meant a lot to me get it back and I never, ever did,” he remarked. “We didn’t have programs back then like this. If we could have everyone register your bike, put it into the system, it will help us to help you.”

Last April, Red Deer city council approved a one time payment of $2000 to become an official partner with 529 Garage.

Thus far, 385 bikes in Red Deer have been registered. You can also register your bike without downloading the mobile app.