The man told police he knew it was a bait bike, but committed the theft anyways

A Port Coquitlam man has received a jail sentence for stealing a bait bike last year.

On July 6, 2022, the North Vancouver RCMP’s Special Response Team (SRT) deployed a bait bike on Marine Drive in North Vancouver. Shortly after it was deployed, a man broke the lock and rode off.

Police were nearby and were alerted when the bike was moved. He was arrested a short distance away.

Officers were quite surprised when the man told them that he knew it was a bait bike, but committed the theft anyways.

A report to Crown counsel was submitted shortly after the arrest and a charge of theft under $5,000 was recommended.

On July 8, Chad Powell, plead guilty and was given a 21-day jail sentence. He was credited a 30-day pre-sentence time served in custody.

“There has been a bait bike program in North Vancouver since 2014. It was the first of its kind in BC and other RCMP detachments have modeled their programs around North Vancouver’s program,” said Constable Mansoor Sahak. “We have a large fleet of bait bikes of every kind ranging from road racing to full suspension downhill bikes.”

He added: “It’s no secret that bike theft is a problem in North Vancouver. That’s why we have adapted our response to meet the ever-changing needs of our communities.”

The bait bikes can be in any or every neighbourhood in North Vancouver and the arrest rate is very high for theft of bait bikes. The bait bikes will be located across North Vancouver all year round to target bike thieves and reduce bike theft in North Vancouver, said Sahak.

Bike owners are encouraged to register their bikes with 529 Garage at www.529garage.ca or with the bike manufacturer. Registering a bike will increase the ability of the police to return a stolen bike to the proper owner.

If your bike has been stolen, report the theft to North Vancouver RCMP at (604)-985-1311.