Toronto cyclist gets stolen bike back after confronting rider

Dave Park thought his bike was gone and then he noticed a man riding a cool bike

More than 3,100 bikes were reported stolen in Toronto last year, but thanks to good eyes and brave action, Dave Park was able to get his back.

His thousand-dollar bicycle disappeared from his garage two weeks ago and like most people who have their bikes stolen, he thought it was gone for good.

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"A police report was filed but I was left resigned to accept the loss and move on," Park wrote on YouTube.

And then while he was driving a few days ago he noticed someone riding his bike.

"At first I thought: Oh, that's a cool bike," he told the Toronto Star. Then he noticed the customized handlebars, special seat and black grips with red stars and realized it was his. "I could believe it. I was kind of like I hooked a big fish...I just needed to act."

Park's fiancée, Vanessa Crossley, started filming as they followed the cyclist into the alleyway and confronted him. In what seems like a tense and nerve-racking situation, Park said he felt no fear. The rider initially seemed shocked and argued he got the bike from a friend. After the couple showed the rider a copy of the police report proving it was Park's bike, the rider gave it back without any sort altercation.

"It was this golden opportunity, basically a dream come true for any person who's had a bike stolen," he told the Star. He hopped on his bike and rode it home.

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However it isn't a move police recommend. They suggest calling them instead of confronting the person in possession of the stolen property because a number of things may happen that could result in a fight.

The 3,100 number mentioned at the top of the article is just the number of reported thefts. Estimates range anywhere from 7,000 to 12,000 bikes are actually stolen each year in Toronto. That number may be more than 100,000 across Canada.

The Grid has some tips to get this number to decline and prevent you from being in Park's shoes. They suggest investing in a high-quality U-lock, locking your bike properly to a secure fixture, locking up fly wheels and removing accessories such as lights and bells.

Cycle Toronto recommends registering the bike so if it is stolen and you report it, the police will be able to match the bike with the owner. They also recommend if you buy a used bike to check the serial number at isthisbikestolen.com to see if you are about to purchase stolen property.