BlackburnNews.com file photo of bike thief.

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London police are asking the public to help them in the battle against vehicle and bicycle thefts.

The plea comes after passersby did not report a bicycle theft that was happening right before their eyes earlier this month.

Police set up a sting operation of sorts, putting one of their own bicycles in a bike rack in the area of Wellington St. and King St. The bike was attached to the rack with a cable lock. Within minutes, a man approached and began cutting through the lock. After a couple of minutes, he managed to free the bike from the lock, and rode away.

Police say this all happened during the lunch hour as several pedestrians walked past the man. Not one called police.

However, what the man did not know was that the bike was under police surveillance. After he rode away, he was stopped by two police officers who were also on bikes.

A 35-year-old man is charged with theft, mischief, and breach of recognizance.

So far this year, police say thefts from vehicles have increased by 35% while bicycle thefts are up 22%.

Police say nothing of any potential value should be left in unattended vehicles. If you have to leave a valuable in the vehicle, they suggest making sure it is out of sight.

As for witnessing a vehicle or bicycle theft, police don’t advice getting physically involved, but rather that a witness should immediately call police.



