Vacationers in Penticton continue to be victimized by bicycle theft

PENTICTON – Another rash of bicycle thefts in Penticton and once again RCMP report it's tourists who are the targets.

Bicycle thefts have plagued the community all summer.

Cpl. Don Wrigglesworth says two bikes, valued at $3,500, were stolen from campers at Oxbow Resort overnight Wednesday, Sept. 14.

That same night, three more bikes were taken from nearby Wright’s Beach Campground. One of the bikes, a “Specialized" mountain bike, was valued at $1,200.

Wrigglesworth says two other bikes were reported taken from different locations in Penticton, including a CCM mountain bike that was reported stolen Wednesday evening, Sept. 14, between 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. from the bike rack outside the Denny’s Restaurant after the lock had been cut.

A Brooks Place resident also lost a $1,200 Trek bicycle on Thursday, Sept. 15.

RCMP are also looking for the owner of a bicycle recovered after apprehending a man for theft on Monday, Sept. 19.

Police were called to the Penticton Laundromat on Eckhardt Avenue on Monday at 9:52 p.m., following up on reports of a theft. A man was reported to have scooped cash from the till at the laundromat, making his getaway on a bicycle. Two hours later police caught up with the man on Orchard Avenue, recovering $200 in loonies and toonies, and the bicycle, which turned out to be stolen.

Police are looking for the bicycle’s owner, who can easily prove ownership by coming forward with a key for the expensive lock attached to the bicycle.

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