More than 2,500 bicycles are reported stolen each year in Montreal, according to city figures. Vélo Québec, the province's cycling advocacy organization, is calling on the Montreal police to increase their response to the growing problem, describing bike theft as a persistent issue that requires serious attention.
The advocacy group says the frequency of thefts has turned cycling into a riskier activity for residents and visitors alike. Vélo Québec argues that law enforcement should treat bicycle theft with the same priority as other property crimes, emphasizing that the current level of police involvement is insufficient to deter offenders.
Montreal police have acknowledged the scale of the problem but have not detailed specific plans for a heightened response. The department notes that the thefts are part of a broader pattern of property crime across the city, and that resources are allocated based on overall crime trends.
Both parties agree that better prevention measures, such as improved lock usage and secure parking facilities, could help reduce the number of stolen bikes. Vélo Québec continues to press for a more robust police strategy, hoping that increased enforcement and public awareness will curb the annual loss of thousands of bicycles in the city.