Lose a bike? Saanich Police make bicycle 'chop shop' bust

Police in Saanichare trying to return bikes to their owners after breaking up a bicycle "chop shop" in the community near Victoria.

Officers executed a search warrant earlier this month at aproperty on Dupplin Road.

• How to prevent bike theft and recover a stolen bike

They found dozens and dozens of bikes andscooters, along with numerous bike parts and accessories.

"Some of them were in fairly new condition. However, a lot of them have been stripped down so they are just the frame, just the wheels," said acting Sgt. Jereme Lesliewith Saanich Police.

Investigators estimate the value of the stolen bikes and accessories at about $50,000.

Leslie says investigatorsare reaching out to the largecycling community in the Victoria area in an effort toreturn some of the bikes and parts.

Bike theft continues to be a big problem in the Capital Region, he added.

"It brings a bunch of other problems, social problems, as well, when it comes to people stealing and most likely fordrug money, etc.., so, it's a massive, massive problem."

A 49-year-old man and a 51-year-old-man, both from Saanich, were arrested. Investigators have recommended charges of possession of property obtained by crime.

Saanich Police have posted photos of the stolen bikes and parts on the Facebook page for the police service.

"We are hoping that people in the Greater Victoria Cycling Community will see these photos, recognize some of the property and help us get the property back to the rightful owners."