Suspected Bike Thief Arrested in Burlington

Burlington | Halton | Oakville | Ontario | Latest News |

Published September 26, 2017 at 7:54 pm

Halton police have made an arrest in connection with a recent bicycle theft incident in Burlington.

Halton police have made an arrest in connection with a recent bicycle theft incident in Burlington.

Police report that on the afternoon of Sept. 23, officers were alerted to a bicycle theft that had just occurred at the Burlington GO station. While on scene, police located a male riding a bicycle eastbound on Queensway Drive. The man was stopped and subsequently arrested after allegedly confirming the bicycle was stolen.

Police say the suspect used side cutters to cut the lock in order to steal the bike.

Police have charged 38-year-old Oakville man William Anthony Gladysz with theft under $5000 and failing to comply with probation. He has been released on bail and will appear in court on Oct. 25.

Halton police say bicycle thefts remain a serious concern. In 2017 alone, police have received 140 complaints of bike thefts, with 28 of the bikes being reported stolen from open/insecure garages and/or sheds. Police are recommending that cyclists consider the following:

  • Record your bicycle’s make, model and serial number. Keep the information, along with a digital photo, in a safe place.
  • Make your bicycle as undesirable as possible. Consider removing decals or repainting your bicycles to disguise top-of-the-line models.
  • Consider a beater bicycle for everyday use. Leave expensive bicycles at home and commute on a less expensive, less appealing model.
  • Make your bicycle un-rideable. Remove wheels and saddles to make it impossible for thieves to ride away on your bicycle.
  • Report stolen bicycles or parts. While most of the time police can’t do anything to locate a stolen bicycle, they can take action if there are several thefts in a given area.
  • Don’t support the stolen bicycle black market. Buy only from reputable shops or from people you trust. If you are unsure, ask questions, request to see a receipt/registration or call the police.

Locks and Locking:

  • Always keep your bicycle locked, even when it is stored or left in a garage or on a porch. 
  • Invest in the best-quality lock(s) you can afford. This is usually a hardened steel U-lock or hardened steel chain and padlock.
  • Use two different locks – one for each wheel – so that thieves would require two different types of tools.
  • Be sure to lock at least one wheel (preferably two) and the frame to the rack or object.
  • Leave as little space as possible within the ‘U’ of the lock. Position it so the keyhole faces down to the ground. A keyhole located in the middle of a straight bar (instead of at the end) offers greater security.
  • Keep locks and chains off the ground so they cannot be hammered or smashed against it.
  • If you don’t need a quick-release seat and wheels, replace them with standard bolts. If you do want quick-release items, take them with you or lock them to the frame.
  • Take anything that is not securely fastened with you when leaving your bicycle unattended.

Location:

  • Lock your bicycle in busy, well-lit places whenever possible.
  • Always lock your bicycle to sturdy, immovable objects that are bolted down. Ensure it cannot be lifted over the object you are locking it to.
  • Avoid locking your bicycle to items that can be cut, such as chain-link fences, trees or wooden railings.
  • Make sure signposts are securely fastened to the ground before locking your bicycle to them.
  • Out of courtesy and in the interest of safety, never lock bicycles to wheelchair ramps
  • When storing your bike at home, make sure it is stored in a secure location with all garage/shed doors securely locked.

Anyone who may have information pertaining to bicycle thefts are asked to contact the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825 4747 ext. 2316.

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