The City of Niagara Falls has been experiencing an increase in bike thefts.
In response, Niagara Regional Police began conducting investigations that have led to arrests and the recovery of 17 bicycles.
Six arrests have been made, three persons of interest have been identified, and an arrest warrant has been issued for a 10th person.
37 year old Chris Sloggett of Niagara Falls was arrested on July 11, 2017.
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 is 32 years old and from Niagara Falls. He was arrested on July 11, 2017. He is charged with:
o Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
41 year old Yan Charron of Niagara Falls was arrested on July 13, 2017. He is charged with:
o Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
o Fail to Comply with a Recognizance Order
Andrew Lavallee is 27 years old and is from Niagara Falls. He was arrested on July 13, 2017. He is charged with:
o Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
o Theft Under $5000
24 year old Nick Atmekjian of Thorold was arrested on July 6, 2017. He was charged with:
o Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
o Fail to Comply With a Probation Order
Raquel Bitton is 23 years old and from Niagara Falls. She was arrested on July 20, 2017 and 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 25 year old John Mills of Niagara Falls / Hamilton. Mills' present location is unknown. The arrest warrant is for the offences of:
o Theft Under $5000
o Possession of Break in Tools
(Photo of John Mills, as seen in our Wanted Wednesday story earlier this week.)
NRP remind you to secure your 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 your bike and keep it for future reference.
Simply take a picture of the bicycle and identifying markers, including the serial number or any scratches on the bike, and storing the information on your cellphone.
Anyone with information regarding bicycle thefts in Niagara Falls can contact detectives at 905-688-4111, extension 2200 or Crime Stoppers of Niagara.