COQUITLAM RCMP are reminding the public that they can report minor non-emergency crimes online.

On October 8,  police received an online crime report of a stolen electric bicycle. The theft occurred sometime between September 22 and October 3 from an underground parking lot near Glen Drive and Johnson Street in Coquitlam.

Once the complainant reported the incident online, a police officer followed up with them to obtain additional details and a photograph of the electric bicycle.

As part of the investigative process, the lead investigator distributes photographs of lost or stolen property to detachment officers to be on the lookout for.

“The electric bicycle was pretty unique with its blue colour and the black battery-pack in the middle,” said frontline officer, Constable Scott Shaw.

While on routine patrol in Coquitlam, Shaw saw the abandoned blue electric bicycle which was missing its battery.

“Once I spoke with the owner, he was ecstatic that we located his bike,” said Shaw. “He told me that he had the battery and would bring it with him when he retrieved his bike.”

Coquitlam RCMP returned the electric bicycle to its owner, Ahmad Kharazmi, on October 17.

“I’m extremely happy to have my electric bicycle returned,” said Kharazmi. “When I reported this theft online, I wasn’t sure if I would get my bike back. This is a great outcome!”

Coquitlam RCMP accepts crime reporting online, on the phone or in person.

“People are often reluctant to report minor crimes as they don’t want to bother the police or they think the report isn’t important,” said Media Relations Officer, Cpl. Alexa Hodgins. “But the public don’t often realize that the information gained from those smaller reports can help identify crime trends and connections to more serious incidents. Or, in this case, we can return the stolen property to it’s rightful owner.”

To report a crime online, certain criteria must be met.

Online crime reporting:
– Non-emergent crimes
– There are no suspects or witnesses at scene
– There is no immediate danger to persons or property
– Crimes that involve damages or losses less than $5,000

To learn more, visit: Reporting Crime to Coquitlam RCMP