Delta police issued an alert to the public this week after a recent spike in bike thefts in the community.
Since Oct. 1, there have been nine bicycle thefts in Delta - four in Ladner and five in North Delta.
"In many cases, the bikes were properly locked up and the owners returned to find the lock cut and the bike missing," said Delta police spokesperson A/Sgt. Sarah Swallow.
She said bikes have been stolen from racks outside stores, residences and schools, whether locked or unlocked.
"Many bikes cost thousands of dollars but are not as readily identifiable to police as stolen vehicles are," Swallow said. Bicycle thefts can also facilitate additional crimes, she said, as thieves use stolen bikes to get themselves, and stolen property, away from an area quickly and silently after committing a crime.
Police urge residents to always report any suspicious activities or people by calling 604-946-4411, or by calling 911 if you are witnessing a theft in progress.
