Mike Dockal is being acknowledged for his vigilance as a bike owner.
Two bicycles were stolen out from his Port Coquitlam garage earlier this month but were returned within a week of the break-and-enter incident.
And RCMP explain both bikes were found abandoned near the same Coquitlam intersection just five days apart.
Dockal reported the residential break-in to police on May 3 after the garage door of his Pitt River Road/Mary Hill Bypass area home was accidentally left open and two bikes were unaccounted for.
On May 5, the RCMP's community response team (CRT) found one of the bicycles near Gordon Avenue and Christmas Way while patrolling with Coquitlam city bylaw officers.
Then, on May 10, CRT came across the second two-wheeler while conducting routine patrol in the same area.
Mounties were able to verify that both bikes belonged to Dockal as he was able to provide the serial numbers and in-depth descriptions.
"The owner did the right thing by contacting the police as soon as they noticed the break and enter to their property," said spokesperson Cpl. Alexa Hodgins in a release about the ordeal.
"By providing the serial numbers and after-market descriptors within the first report, police were able to quickly locate the bicycles. We are very pleased to have be able to return both bicycles to their owner."
Hodgins hopes the incident can be used as an example for other bicycle owners to take the steps necessary to ensure their property is secured.
RCMP have also listed the following tips for before and after a potential bike theft:
- Report the incident to your local police as soon as you notice the break-in or if something was taken
- Provide officers with as much detail as possible about the items stolen
- Serial numbers, after market additions, photographs, video surveillance (if available)
- If you do not have video surveillance installed, think about installing some
Meanwhile, police are still looking for witnesses to the Port Coquitlam break-in and bike theft to come forward with statements or video footage.
Anyone with more information is encouraged to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file-number 2023-11297.
