Police issue public warning after rise of scooter theft in Vancouver

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) has issued a public warning after a rise in scooter and e-bike thefts in the city.

“Warm weather and expensive gas mean more people are choosing alternative ways to get around,” says Constable Steve Addison, of the VPD.

Scooters and electric made up over 20% of all vehicle stolen in Vancouver between May 5 and June 1, 2019.

Cst. Addison explains that while they’re fun, more affordable means of transportation, they’re also easy to steal if proper security precautions aren’t used.

The VPD says that at least 13 gas-powered scooters were stolen in Vancouver in May, along with seven electric bikes and three electric scooters.

“Thieves will take anything they can get their hands on,” says Cst. Addison.

In response, the VPD has shared five tips for protecting your scooter or e-bike:

Lock your scooter to a fixture so it can’t be lifted or carried away
Use a disc brake locking mechanism to prevent it from being rolled away
Don’t leave your spare key anywhere on the bike, including the storage compartment
Use the handlebar locking mechanism and factory alarm
Park in populated, well-lit areas to deter thieves

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