Kelowna bait bike stolen on the first day — again

The temptation to steal the Kelowna RCMP Bait Bike on its first day of the year couldn't be resisted yet again.

It’s been stolen on the first day for the past four years, according to an RCMP media release.

The Kelowna RCMP’s Community Safety Unit set it up on March 30. The bike started moving within hours, and within minutes of that, officers were able to track it down and arrest the person responsible.

The suspect is well known to police and has an extensive criminal record, the release says. The person was released and is due to appear in court at a later date.

Investigators will highlight the accused’s history when working with the B.C. Prosecution Service.

“We have put a significant amount of work into upgrading our bait bike program over the past few years and we’re seeing the fruits of our labour on the very first day again,” Sgt. Scott Powrie said in the release.

“You won’t know which bikes are ours and you won’t know we’re coming for you until it’s too late.” 

Bike owners are reminded to document their bike by recording the serial number and taking photographs. The RCMP recommend using online registries like Project 529 Garage.

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