Bikes thefts in Whistler are a third of what they were last year, say local RCMP.
Between April 1, 2006 and this week 14 bikes were reported stolen, down from 37 reported in the same period last year.
"We still have a ways to go," said RCMP spokesperson Ann-Marie Gallup, "it’s always a work in progress."
Last year’s high theft numbers were attributed to a two-person out-of-province theft team. But Gallup said with the influx of hundreds of mountain bike enthusiasts in Whistler July 22-30 for Crankworx, bike owners need to be diligent in locking up their gear.
"People need to lock up their bikes in well-viewed, high traffic areas," Gallop said. Local police will have extra bike patrols out to regularly visit less accessible places like underground parkades in order to dissuade any would-be thieves.
Whistler-Blackcomb is also re-introducing its bike valet program again. Located at Garbanzo Bike and Bean, bike owners can stash their gear in storage lockers for hours or overnight. Check-in and out privileges are included in the $3/day or $7 overnight fees for storage at the facility, located at the base of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.
