Volunteers register bikes in a bid to battle ongoing bike theft

The Oak Bay police bike registry grew today after a volunteer effort at Oak Bay High from the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition.

Volunteers started registering residents’ bikes while students were still in classes Feb. 15, then stayed on hand as students poured out to their two-wheeled transportation.

The GVCC volunteered the time to battle a rise in bike theft at the school, which also hosts other well-used community amenities such as the Dave Dunnet Community Theatre, Neighbourhood Learning Centre and a lighted artificial turf field.

Oak Bay police introduced the registry last fall after a rise in thefts, particularly around the recreation centre and school.

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Bikes parked in the area has doubled from about 80 bikes to 170 to 180 on a fair weather fall day, says Gerald Smeltzer, GVCC.

“If you take your bike to the Oak Bay police and register there, you’ll get a decal and it’ll go into the integrated registration system.”

Some spent the afternoon visiting with friends outside the school, and picking up forms for multiple household bicycles.

Visit the office at 1703 Monterey Ave. between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to register.

“That way if it’s stolen we get a better chance of getting it back to you and also a better chance of charging the suspect with being in possession of stolen property,” said Deputy Chief Ray Bernoties, Oak Bay Police Department.