Stolen Bikes in Edmonton

The University of Alberta Campus Security Services (CSS) offers a bike registry for those who are affiliated with the U of A:

CSS offers a bike registration program. People attending our main office at 11390-87 Ave (Education Carpark) with their bikes will be issued a wallet sized identification card with all the information needed (serial number, model and description) describing their bike for future reference. As well, at the time of issue, we can scribe on the bike an identifiable number (usually a driver’s license or social insurance number) on the frame of the bike. In this way, it is easier to return to the rightful owner in case of theft if recovered.

If you don’t have a serial number engraved on your bike, a campus security ID sticker may be issued instead. While a sticker seems like an unlikely aid in recovering your bicycle if it’s stolen, it could potentially be better than a serial number.

Bicycle serial numbers are printed in varying locations, depending on the model/manufacturer/year, and can be easy to confuse with other numbers printed on the frame (model number, etc.).  If your bike’s model number gets entered by accident, instead of the serial number, you’re unlikely to get your bike back.

If you tape an ID sticker so that it can’t fall off your bike, and so that it’s difficult for thieves to remove, then it can be easier for authorities to identify as the unique identification number.  Most thieves won’t expend much effort to remove a sticker, even while they’re riding the stolen bike.