Burlington Bike Thief Suspect Charged

A Hamilton man is facing charges after he was arrested in connection with a bike theft at a Burlington mall.

The incident took place on Oct. 12 at 3:10 p.m.

A Hamilton man is facing charges after he was arrested in connection with a bike theft at a Burlington mall.

The incident took place on Oct. 12 at 3:10 p.m.

That’s when Halton police were alerted to a bicycle theft at Mapleview Mall.

Officers were sent to the 900 Maple Ave. area, where they located a man riding the stolen bicycle eastbound on Plains Rd. near Francis Rd.

After being confronted by police, the man attempted to flee but was arrested a short distance away after a brief struggle.

Police searched the suspect, allegedly finding a pair of bolt cutters, a cut cable lock and a quantity of crystal meth (5.4 grams) and five oxycontin pills.

Sean Michael Brazil, 34, is charged with the following offences: theft under $5,000; mischief under $5,000; assault with intent to resist arrest; possession of break-in instruments; possession of a controled substance for the purpose of trafficking; possession of a controled substance.

Anyone who may have information pertaining to bicycle thefts are asked to contact the Burlington Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825 4747 ext. 2316, Crime Stoppers “See something, Hear something, Say something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS, through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca or by texting “Tip 201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).

Police are reminding cyclists to consider the following recommendations to prevent become a victim of theft:

Bicycle Security:

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 sign posts 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.

(Source: Halton Regional Police)