Question for Richmond thieves: When do you know the bike you’ve stolen is a bait bike, planted by police?
Answer: About 10 minutes after the theft, when you’re arrested.
Last Thursday, Sept. 21, officers from the Richmond RCMP Property Crime Unit (PCU) deployed a bait bike – similar to bait cars - in the downtown corridor of Richmond at about 6:50 p.m.
A mere 10 minutes later, in the 6300 block of No. 3 Road, those same officers made an arrest.
Darren Belcourt, 33, of no fixed address, has now been charged with theft under $5,000. He is, according to police, a prolific offender and well-known to the RCMP.
“Any tool is only as good as its effectiveness and results. In this case, with respect to bike thieves, our bait bike program is off to a fantastic start,” said Richmond RCMP’s Cpl. Dennis Hwang.
“Zero to arrest in 10 minutes flat. Our message to thieves – bait bikes are everywhere in Richmond. If you steal one, we will arrest you.”
Bait bikes are currently being deployed throughout Richmond and are closely monitored.
The bikes come in all types, shapes, and sizes and feature state-of-the-art technology.
