Vancouver Police have seized thirteen bikes, suspected to be stolen, and more than $25,000 after an investigation into a “bike chop shop” in East Vancouver.
“Police were alerted of possible stolen bikes listed on a Craigslist advertisement after a potential buyer researched the bikes being sold,” says Constable Tania Visintin, VPD.
Before the victim met with the seller of a bike off Craigslist, he looked up the bike on project529.com. Project 529 is a community-based bike recovery service. On the site, he was able to see the bike he was wanting to purchase was listen as stolen and immediately called police. A search warrant was executed by officers on October 28 at a home near Rupert Street and Broadway Avenue.
The following items were seized from the home: 13 suspected stolen bicycles, one confirmed stolen bike and stolen seat, $28,057 Canadian, $11 US, and 1,290,000 Dong (Vietnamese currency).
A 48-year-old Vancouver man was arrested. Two counts of possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime have been recommended to Crown counsel.
Registering a bike is free of charge and can be done on the Project 529 website.
