RCMP catch Kelowna thief in seven minutes with bait bike

Less than seven minutes after a bait bike went missing at a recreation centre in Kelowna, officers had a suspect in handcuffs because it was a "bait bike."

The bike was left at the Parkinson Recreation Center on Parkinson Way, Oct. 7, where bike thefts have become all too common in recent months, according to an RCMP media release.

“Shortly after 2:20 p.m., our community safety unit officers were notified the bait bike was stolen and moving quickly,” Const. Mike Gauthier with the unit said in the release. “We tracked and arrested the individual who stole the bike in under seven minutes, with the assistance of one of our police dog service officers.”

READ MORE: Thief allegedly steals bait bike from Kelowna RCMP detachment parking lot

Justin Paul Brehm was arrested and appeared in court charged with theft and mischief.

He was released on conditions and will be back in court Oct. 27, according to court documents.

“A relatively small number of individuals are responsible for a large number of bike thefts in Kelowna,” Sgt. Scott Powrie with the unit said in the release. “With this type of enforcement strategy and in collaboration with our local prosecution service, we are hoping to see some increased penalties for these repeat offenders.”

The RCMP's community safety unit is responsible for deploying and monitoring the police-owned bait bikes. The program, in place for several year now, recently expanded to include downhill, hard trails, enduro, road and e-bikes.

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