Victoria Police Strike Force officers shut down a bicycle “chop-shop” on Thursday and arrested three alleged bike thieves after deploying a “bait bike”.
The officers set out the bike in response to an increase in property crime in the Burnside Gorge area, including bicycle theft. The “bait bike” was stolen shortly after.
Bait bikes are bicycles equipped with tracking, identification and other technologies that allow officers to track their movement.
Strike Force officers tracked the bike to Beacon Hill Park, where they located a bicycle “chop shop” in operation. Officers arrested the alleged bike thief and seized numerous stolen bikes.
A subsequent investigation led Strike Force officers to find and arrest two additional alleged bike thieves, and seize more stolen property. Both investigations are ongoing. “Bait bikes” are currently deployed throughout Victoria.
Strike Force officers continue to investigate prolific property offences to combat rising property crimes, including bike theft, police said.
This comes after an arrest was made and weapons seized in the Topaz Park area on Wednesday, after a vehicle traffic stop.
If you have information about property crime offenders in our community, you are asked to call the Strike Force line directly at (250) 995-7260.
Rebecca Lawrence
