Montreal police (SPVM) and other organizations are encouraging the public to register their bikes and report if it gets stolen.
According to data from the SPVM, 1,348 bicycles were stolen between Jan. 1 and July 31 – which is nearly the same amount last year during the same period.
In 2023, the total number of reported bicycle thefts increased by 18 per cent compared to 2022.
In total, the number has increased by 50 per cent since 2020.
Officials say many people don’t report their bike as stolen because they think there’s no point.
Residents can report their missing bicycle on the SPVM’s website. Also, Vélo Québec recommends that they register their bikes on the Garage 529 form.
According to a report by Radio-Canada, 25,000 bicycles have been registered in Montreal since 2021.
Of the 25,000 registered bikes, 2,000 thefts have been reported, and 200 bicycles have been returned to their owners.