Police say the City of Niagara Falls has been experiencing an increase in thefts of bicycles in recent months.  In response to the problem, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 2 District – Niagara Falls Street Crime Unit began conducting a number of investigations that have led to arrests and the recovery of 17 bicycles.

 

Detectives have made six arrests and identified three persons of interest. An arrest warrant has been issued for a 10th person.

Chris Sloggett (37 years) of Niagara Falls was arrested on July 11, 2017, and sent to video bail on July 12, 2017 (Inc. #2017-63041).   He is charged with:
o Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
o Possession of Break in Tools
o Fail to Comply with a Recognizance Order

Chris Sowell (32 years) of Niagara Falls was arrested on July 11, 2017 (Inc. #2017-63041).  He was released on a Promise to Appear for his court date of August 2, 2017 at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.  He is charged with:
o Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000

Yan Charron (41 years) of Niagara Falls was arrested on July 13, 2017, and sent to a bail hearing on July 14, 2017 (Inc. #2017-63934).  He is charged with:
o Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
o Fail to Comply with a Recognizance Order

Andrew Lavallee (27 years) of Niagara Falls was arrested on July 13, 2017 (Inc. #2017-63878).  He was released on a Promise to Appear with a court date of July 19, 2017 at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.  He is charged with:
o Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
o Theft Under $5000

Nick Atmekjian (24 years) of Thorold was arrested on July 6, 2017, (Inc. #2017-60993) and was sent to a bailing hearing on July7, 2017.  He was charged with:
o Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
o Fail to Comply With a Probation Order

Raquel Bitton (23 years old) of Niagara Falls was arrested on July 20, 2017 (Inc. #2017-66493), and was sent to a bail hearing on the same date.  She was charged with:
o Theft under $5000
o Possession of Break in Tools
o Fail to Comply with a Probation Order

 An arrest warrant has been issued for John Mills (25 years) of Niagara Falls / Hamilton (Inc. #2017- 66493).  Mills’ present location is unknown.  The arrest warrant is for the offences of:
o Theft Under $5000
o Possession of Break in Tools

*A photo of John Mills can be seen on the NRPS “Niagara’s Wanted” page by following the link http://bit.ly/NRSPWanted

Despite this progress the NRPS is reminding the public to remain vigilant in their efforts to protect their bikes / property.

Hotel owners, campground operators and merchants in the area are asked to remind out-of-town visitors who may have bikes secured to their vehicles to store them in a secure location such as their hotel room.

Members of the public should secure their bikes with locks that are cut resistant to bolt cutters.

In order to assist police in identifying the rightful owner of a stolen bike, it is important to record the serial number of a bike and keep it for future reference.  This is quickly and easily done by taking a picture of the bicycle and identifying markers, including the serial number or any scratches on the bike, and storing the information on a cellphone.

Detectives are continuing to investigate the theft of bikes in Niagara Falls and anticipate further arrests.

Anyone with information regarding bicycle thefts in Niagara Falls can contact detectives at 905-688-4111, extension 2200 or Crime Stoppers of Niagara.
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